Americans to elect Congress members and state leaders in November midterms
Americans are due to vote in the midterm elections on 3 November, choosing all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats. The results will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress, which shapes federal laws and can either help or hinder President Donald Trump’s agenda; they will also be seen as a measure of public sentiment about his presidency.
Republicans currently hold 218 House seats, the minimum needed for control, and 53 Senate seats, where 51 are needed. Voters are also choosing state politicians, including governors in California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan. The economy, immigration and AI regulation are prominent issues; Trump’s approval rating was about 37% in early October, while 61% disapproved, and redistricting disputes have added uncertainty to contests including 42 House races and nine Senate races identified as worth watching.
- Voters decide control of Congress on 3 November.
- Democrats need to win a chamber to constrain Trump’s agenda.
- The economy, immigration and AI regulation are key issues.
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Midterm elections occur halfway through an American president's term and determine who controls Congress, the legislative body responsible for making federal laws. The results are significant because Congress shapes which of the president's policies can be enacted.
Voters will choose all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats. The two major parties hold narrow majorities in Congress, so the election results could shift control of one or both chambers.
Voters are also electing state governors and other state officials across the country. Key issues shaping the campaign include the economy, immigration and artificial intelligence regulation.
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Originally published by BBC World as “A simple guide to the US midterms”.