Midterm elections: Voters heading to polls today in high-stakes midterms as key races shape Congress
Key contests and voting
Tuesday is the final day of voting after months of campaigning. House and Senate races could determine which party controls Congress. The Election Lab at the University of Florida reported more than 57 million early votes nationwide as of Monday afternoon. That total was approaching the more than 58 million early votes cast in 2022.
Hinson discusses Iowa race
On election eve, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson spoke to the press about Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. She said President Donald Trump’s visit to Dubuque helped her deliver a closing contrast with her Democratic opponent.
Spending reaches projected record
OpenSecrets’ analysis of Federal Election Commission data projects that spending on the 2025-2026 election cycle will total about $12 billion. At the federal level, that would make this the most expensive midterm election on record.
The Wesleyan Media Project estimated spending on House, Senate and gubernatorial race advertising at about $7.1 billion. Roughly $1.4 billion of that advertising spending came between Oct. 12 and Oct. 25.
Key points
- Key House and Senate races could determine control of Congress.
- More than 57 million early votes were reported by Monday afternoon.
- Ashley Hinson said Trump’s Dubuque visit helped her reach voters.
- The 2025-2026 election cycle is projected to cost about $12 billion.