Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections for Congress

Voters across the United States are casting their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a pivotal midterm election that will determine the balance of power in Washington. The results of this day's voting will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate during the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. According to Ballotpedia, all 435 seats in the House are up for grabs, along with 35 seats in the Senate. The outcome will shape the legislative agenda for the remainder of the administration, including oversight, investigations, and the budget process.

The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on the current administration, noting that many voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of President Trump's job performance, while about seven in 10 say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most respondents in that poll blamed the president for high prices. Despite these challenges, more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.

In the House, Democrats currently hold 214 seats and Republicans hold 218, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. The AP notes that one or two seats could tip the balance of the chamber. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker if Democrats win, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight.

The Senate race is equally critical, with Republicans holding 53 seats and Democrats holding 45, plus two independents who caucus with the Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control, while Republicans can lose only two. Eleven senators are not running again, including four Democrats and seven Republicans. The AP highlights several key matchups, including the race in North Carolina between former Governor Roy Cooper and former RNC chair Michael Whatley. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff faces Republican Representative Mike Collins. In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown is challenging incumbent Senator Jon Husted.

Other notable Senate contests include the race in Michigan, where Republican former Representative Mike Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. The AP reports that economic strain and tariffs have made states like Maine competitive, where Senator Susan Collins runs against Troy Jackson. In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico. The AP also notes that the Trump administration filed a lawsuit in Alaska related to the certification of the Senate result, adding another layer of complexity to the election administration.

Governor races in 36 states are also on the ballot, with Republicans holding 26 governorships and Democrats holding 24. Democrats would need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a feat they have not accomplished since 2010. The AP calls the races in Texas, Florida, and Iowa competitive. In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson faces Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy challenges Democrat Amy Acton, with the AP noting that Ramaswamy's campaign faced backlash over an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother.

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized the importance of turnout, stating, "Everything depends on turnout. If we turn out our voters, we win, and that's what we've been planning for." DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene offered a contrasting view, saying, "The American people are angry. They want change." Voter sentiment is mixed, with Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, expressing support for the president, while James Moore, a librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, cited rising costs for taxes, healthcare, and everyday items as reasons for his vote.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outraising and outspending Democratic committees at the committee level, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. According to AP analysis of AdImpact data, 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including more than 850 million dollars in areas where he won by ten points or more.

Voters can find their polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote, so voters should check their local poll hours. ID rules vary by state, so it is advisable to check specific state rules before heading to the polls. For example, polls in Alabama are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while in California, which largely votes by mail, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In New York, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. These legal developments have raised concerns about the administration's role in election integrity.

Wall Street is closely watching the results, as Reuters notes that the outcome could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The election is not just about control of Congress but also about the direction of the country's economic policy. The AP notes that if Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely, which could complicate the path of Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 election.

Voters in six states, including California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, are using new congressional maps after mid-decade redistricting. Ohio also uses a new map. These new districts may not vote as drawn, challenging Republicans' strategy to beat the midterm pattern where a president's party almost always loses seats. The final results will provide a clear picture of the public's mood and the future of the administration.

As polls open across the country, the nation waits for the results that will define the next two years in Washington. The election is a critical moment for both parties, with the potential to shift the balance of power in Congress and set the stage for the 2028 presidential race. Voters are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard in this crucial midterm election.