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What is on the ballot, why it matters and how to vote
The 2026 U.S. midterm elections take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, roughly halfway through President Donald Trump's second term. "Midterm" refers to elections held in the middle of a president's four-year term. They do not decide the presidency, but they decide who controls Congress, which shapes what a president can pass, block or investigate. Campaigns are now in their final weeks, with candidate debates under way in several states, including a Maryland governor's debate this week.
| Office | What is decided |
|---|---|
| U.S. House of Representatives | All 435 seats, each serving a two-year term |
| U.S. Senate | About one-third of the 100 seats, each a six-year term |
| Governors | Most states elect a governor in 2026 (36 states) |
| State legislatures | Many state house and senate seats |
| Local offices and ballot measures | Varies by state and county |
Exact numbers of contested seats can change with special elections, so check official sources such as the Federal Election Commission and state election offices.
Whichever party holds a majority in each chamber chooses committee chairs, sets the legislative agenda and decides which bills reach a vote. A president whose party loses a chamber often faces more oversight and a harder path for legislation.
Committees controlled by the opposition party can launch investigations and hold hearings.
Congress controls federal spending. Fights over funding, taxes and major policy areas, including technology and artificial intelligence regulation, depend on who holds the votes.
Governors and state legislatures influence education, healthcare, elections, policing and local taxes, so these races affect daily life directly.
In most modern midterms, the president's party has lost seats in the House. This is a tendency, not a rule, and results depend on the economy, the president's approval, candidate quality and how districts are drawn. Polls and forecasts can be wrong, so treat predictions cautiously.
Always confirm deadlines and rules with your state's official election website, since they change and vary widely.
Polling and campaign coverage tend to highlight several recurring themes. Which ones matter most differs by region and voter:
Results are first reported by media organisations and then certified by state officials. New members of Congress take their seats in January. If control of a chamber changes hands, leadership elections and committee assignments follow.
Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
No. The presidency is not on the ballot in a midterm year.
All 435.
Many states offer early or mail voting, but rules differ. Check your state's election office.
Turnout is usually lower than in presidential years, which can make each vote count for more in close races.
The 2026 midterms will decide control of Congress and many state governments, influencing everything from federal spending to technology policy. Check your registration, learn your state's voting options, and rely on official sources for dates and rules. This guide is a neutral overview and does not predict any outcome.
