Americans headed to the polls Tuesday in midterm elections that could reshape control of Congress and determine how much legislative support President Donald Trump will have during the final two years of his term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are being contested, while voters in 36 states are choosing governors. Republicans entered Election Day with narrow majorities in both chambers, but Democrats were seeking to regain control of at least one.
The Associated Press reported that Democrats needed a net gain of three seats in the House and four in the Senate to secure majorities. Republicans held a 219-214 advantage in the House, while their Senate majority stood at 53-47.
The elections are widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s second-term policies, with economic concerns, immigration, the war with Iran and the cost of living shaping the campaign.
READ: US midterms 2026: Poll closing times, vote counting and when results are expected (November 3, 2026)
More than 57 million Americans had already voted early as of Monday, according to the Associated Press. Turnout had surpassed early voting levels from the previous midterm cycle in several closely watched states.
Economy and Trump’s approval dominate campaign
Voter dissatisfaction over prices and the administration’s economic record emerged as major issues in the final days of campaigning.
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that 35% of US adults approved of Trump’s performance, while only 25% approved of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 respondents said the country was heading in the wrong direction.
Trump campaigned for Republican candidates in several states, urging supporters to treat the midterms as if he were personally on the ballot. Democrats argued that rising household costs and dissatisfaction with the administration could help them win competitive districts.
The outcome could have significant consequences for the White House. A Democratic majority in either chamber would give the party greater authority to investigate the administration, scrutinize federal spending and block or delay presidential priorities. Republican control would allow the president to continue relying on congressional support for his legislative agenda.
Michigan, Texas and other Senate battlegrounds
Several closely watched Senate contests could determine the balance of power.
In Michigan, Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed is facing Republican Mike Rogers. The contest has drawn national attention following Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Rogers after losing the party’s primary to El-Sayed.
READ: ‘Love of my life’: Sarah Jukaku wins hearts at Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s final rally (November 3, 2026)
The debate over US military assistance to Israel has also become a prominent issue in the Michigan race. El-Sayed has criticized American funding for Israel, arguing that domestic priorities such as healthcare, education and childcare deserve greater attention.
In Texas, Republican Ken Paxton is challenging Democratic nominee James Talarico in a closely watched contest. Other important Senate races include Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Maine and Alaska.
The House elections are also competitive, with Democrats targeting Republican-held districts in states including Florida, Texas and Iowa.
Indian American candidates draw attention
The 2026 elections also feature Indian American candidates seeking prominent political offices.
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is contesting the Ohio gubernatorial election against Democrat Amy Acton. His campaign has attracted national attention, including controversy surrounding an advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother.
READ: Indian Americans to watch as 2026 midterm elections near (October 29, 2026)
The broader election cycle also represents an important opportunity to assess the growing participation of Indian Americans in US politics, both as candidates and voters. Beyond Congress, gubernatorial contests in 36 states could influence state-level policies on education, immigration, healthcare and economic development.
Voting disruption and ballot disputes
Election Day also saw concerns over voting administration in some areas.
NBC News reported that voting machines at polling locations across Westchester County, New York, were not accepting ballots, potentially delaying the count in the competitive House race between Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democrat Cait Conley.
Officials said affected ballots would be secured for later counting.
The Supreme Court also rejected the Trump administration’s request to set aside more than 20,000 disputed California mail-in ballots, following an earlier federal court order against the move.
The results will determine the political environment in Washington for the remainder of Trump’s presidency and could influence both parties’ strategies ahead of the 2028 presidential election. With control of Congress at stake, the midterms represent a major test of voter sentiment toward the administration and the direction of American politics.