What You Need to Know About the US Midterms in 2026
What midterms decide
Midterm elections take place halfway through a US president’s four-year term and determine the makeup of Congress. Voters also choose governors, state legislators and local officials. House members represent individual congressional districts and serve two-year terms. Senators represent their states, serve six-year terms and are elected statewide; local ballot measures can also affect daily life.
The House contest
All 435 House seats are up for election every two years. A battleground district is one either party could realistically win, and a graphic highlights 12 races to watch.
The Senate math
About one-third of the Senate’s 100 seats are contested every two years. Of the 35 seats being contested, Republicans hold 22 and Democrats hold 13. In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson, who replaced primary winner Graham Platner after Platner withdrew in July. North Carolina’s open seat features Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley.
Issues and voter views
Election analysts say Democrats have a harder path to a Senate majority than to House control, though more competitive races have improved their chances. Losing either chamber would let Democrats block legislation and launch investigations into Trump’s administration.
Key points
- Voters decide control of Congress on November 3.
- Every House seat is contested; 35 Senate seats are up for election.
- Democrats need a net gain of four seats to control the Senate.
- Reproductive rights, immigration and democracy are among the issues at stake.