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US midterms: Americans vote in elections seen as referendum on Trump
Developing story first seen 17 hours ago
Americans are voting in midterm elections that could limit President Donald Trump’s power during the final two years of his term. Closely watched Senate contests in Texas and Michigan are also being treated as signs of where the parties stand and how the Democratic Party might shape its approach ahead of 2028.
Texas reported record early voting, with more than 7.7 million people casting ballots, over 40% of registered voters. Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are in a tight race, despite a reported $168 million in support for Senate Republicans from Elon Musk. In Michigan, progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers; early voter conversations favoured El-Sayed, but the report cautions that these are not representative data. Polls were closing at different times across the six time zones, with Alaska scheduled to close last at 0500 GMT.
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In short
- Midterms could constrain Trump’s power for his final two years.
- Texas recorded more than 7.7 million early votes.
- Texas and Michigan Senate races are closely watched.
How this story developed
- 1 hour ago Americans are voting in midterm elections that could limit President Donald Trump’s power during the final two years of his term.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A strong Democratic showing could give Congress greater ability to scrutinise the president and check his agenda, while close Senate races may reveal whether voters favour a more progressive direction for the party. Record early turnout in Texas suggests many voters see the election as consequential, though turnout alone does not indicate which side benefits.
The case against
A president’s ability to govern can depend on Congress working with the administration, so limiting its power may impede policies voters supported in the presidential election. Republicans could argue that the Senate contests should be judged on candidates and local concerns rather than treated as a national verdict or a guide to the Democrats’ 2028 strategy.
Explained simply
Midterm elections take place halfway through a US president’s four-year term. Voters choose members of Congress, the federal legislature, as well as state and local officials; the whole House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate are elected.
Congress makes federal laws and approves government spending, and the Senate confirms many senior appointments. If the president’s party loses control of either chamber, it can become harder for the president to pass laws, while Congress can scrutinise the administration.
Texas and Michigan are among the states choosing senators, who serve six-year terms. Their contests are drawing attention as a measure of support for the parties and may inform Democratic debates about the party’s direction before the 2028 presidential election.
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