Early voting has already begun across the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections on November 3. Voters will choose members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and governors in many states. These contests take place in the middle of a presidential term and do not include the president on the ballot, yet they carry major consequences.
More than 100 million people are expected to cast ballots if turnout matches the 2022 midterms. Campaign spending has already reached a record $3.8 billion on political advertisements by mid-October, with the highest amounts going to competitive Senate races in Texas, Ohio, and Michigan. Elon Musk alone has contributed about $366 million to support Republican candidates.
Control of Congress hangs in the balance. Republicans currently hold a slim 218-214 majority in the House, with two vacancies and one independent who votes with them. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. In the Senate, Republicans lead 53-47, so Democrats must also pick up four seats. Key races in Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, and Georgia could decide the outcome.
President Donald Trump and the Republican Party face historical headwinds. Midterms often punish the party in power, and Trump’s approval rating has fallen to an all-time low of 32 percent according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Rising consumer prices and economic concerns may further weaken Republican support, while early voting patterns suggest higher enthusiasm among Democrats. Some Latino voters who backed Trump in 2024 appear to be shifting back due to frustration over the economy and immigration policies.
History shows how dramatic these elections can be. In 2010, Republicans gained 63 House seats under President Barack Obama. In 2018, Democrats flipped 40 House seats during Trump’s first term. This year also features races for governors in 36 states and contests for state legislatures nationwide.
If Democrats win the House, Hakeem Jeffries of New York is expected to become the next Speaker, the first Black American to hold the role. He has pledged to investigate alleged corruption and focus on lowering costs for healthcare, housing, and groceries. A Republican victory would keep the speakership in their hands and continue priorities such as tax cuts and higher defense spending.
High-profile House races include competitive districts in New York, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Questions remain about possible attempts by the Trump administration to influence election administration, prompting state officials and Democrats to prepare legal responses.
