Key facts
- Democrats need a net gain of four seats to control the House and Senate.
- Republicans currently hold a 218-214 majority in the House.
- Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
- President Trump's approval rating stands at 32%.
Early voting is underway for the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, where voters will choose members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and governors across the country. Over 100 million ballots are anticipated, with $3.8 billion already spent on political advertising, according to AdImpact. Elon Musk has contributed approximately $366 million to Republican campaigns.
Democrats aim to regain majority control of Congress. They need a net gain of four seats in the House, where Republicans currently hold a 218-214 majority with two vacancies. In the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority, Democrats also need to win four additional seats. Key Senate races in states like Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, and Georgia could determine the outcome.
Midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the sitting president. President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress face a "perilous political position," as a low approval rating of 32% for Trump and potential voter enthusiasm for Democrats could impact results. Domestic issues such as rising consumer prices may also erode support for Republicans.
Recent midterm history shows significant shifts in power. In 2010, Republicans gained 63 House seats during a Democratic presidency, while in 2018, Democrats gained 40 House seats during Trump's presidency. This year, governors will be elected in 36 states, and Republicans currently control 55% of state legislative seats nationwide.
If Democrats win the House, Representative Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become Speaker, potentially launching investigations into the Trump administration and prioritizing affordability measures. A Republican victory would likely focus on tax cuts, increased defense spending, and social safety net reductions.