US midterm voters poised to deliver verdict on Trump’s second term

Americans voted in midterm elections on 3 November 2026 that could change control of Congress and shape the final two years of Donald Trump’s second term. Republicans entered the vote with narrow majorities in both chambers. Democrats needed a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to take control. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats were being contested, alongside governorships in 36 states. Democrats were hopeful of winning the House and saw a possible route to the Senate, but the results remained uncertain as voting continued.

The cost of living was a central concern, alongside the war with Iran and broader dissatisfaction with the country’s direction. An election-day voter survey found that roughly three-quarters of voters were angry or dissatisfied with how things were going. Closely watched Senate contests included Texas, Michigan and Alaska. If Democrats won either chamber, they could increase scrutiny of the administration and constrain parts of Trump’s agenda; Republican control would give the president more support in Congress. The elections also covered state offices and ballot measures on issues including abortion rights and taxes.