Election coverage update: Polling averages and election information may change as new information becomes available. This guide reflects reporting and polling information available on November 3, 2026, and does not predict winners.
Quick answer: The 2026 US midterm elections are the congressional, gubernatorial and state and local elections held halfway through the presidential term. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are contested. Control of the House and Senate affects legislation, oversight and appointments. As of November 3, cited polling aggregators showed a Democratic advantage in the national generic congressional ballot, but polling is an estimate rather than a result.
The US midterm elections 2026 are taking place on November 3, with voters choosing members of Congress and officials in state and local contests. The results could change the balance of power in Congress and influence the remainder of the presidential term.
For practical information about polling places and hours, see our guide to 2026 US voting polls, opening hours and polling locations.
What Are the 2026 US Midterm Elections?
Midterm elections happen halfway through a president's four-year term. Voters are not electing a new president in this election. Instead, they are choosing members of the House and Senate, governors in several states and officials in state and local races.
The House represents districts and brings all 435 voting seats to the ballot every two years. Senators serve six-year terms, so only a portion of the 100 Senate seats is contested in a regular cycle. The party balance in Congress can affect whether the president's legislative proposals advance, how committees conduct oversight and whether nominations receive approval.
What Is at Stake in the 2026 Midterm Elections?
| Election | Seats or contests |
|---|---|
| US House of Representatives | All 435 seats |
| US Senate | 35 seats |
| Governor elections | 36 states |
Republicans entered the election controlling both chambers, according to Reuters reporting. The House majority was described as 219 seats, one above the 218-seat threshold, while the Senate majority also faced a large set of competitive contests. The exact balance can change through vacancies and special elections, so official congressional records remain the reference for current membership.
What Do the Latest 2026 Midterm Election Polls Show?
The national generic congressional ballot asks voters which party's candidate they would prefer for Congress in their district. It is a national measure of the political environment, not a count of seats and not a forecast of every district.
As of November 3, 2026, Call the Map reported a Democratic advantage of approximately 8.6 points in its national environment measure and approximately 8.1 points in its generic-ballot polling average. Its latest generic-ballot poll was dated November 2, 2026.
MidtermForecast reported an adjusted generic-ballot average of approximately D+9.0 using a model of individual polls. The figures should not be combined into an invented single average: aggregators use different source selections, weighting and adjustment methods.
Every poll has uncertainty, including a margin of error and possible sources of sampling or response bias. A polling lead does not mean a party has won, and actual results depend on votes counted and certified by election authorities.
Key Senate Races to Watch in 2026
National attention is focused on Senate contests in Maine, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Alaska and Iowa. These races matter because a small number of seats can determine which party organizes the chamber and controls its committees.
Race descriptions, candidate standings and polling can change quickly. Readers should consult current reporting from organizations such as Reuters, CBS News and the relevant state election authorities rather than treating an early poll or forecast as an outcome.
Which Party Could Win Control of the House?
All 435 House seats are being contested, but the majority may be decided by a relatively small number of competitive districts. National polling does not necessarily predict the outcome in each district because district-level candidates, turnout and local issues matter.
Forecasts can estimate the probability of different outcomes, but they are not confirmed results. The narrow pre-election House margin means that shifts in several districts could change control, while the final outcome will depend on counted and certified votes.
When Will the 2026 Midterm Election Results Be Announced?
Poll closing times differ across states, and some results may appear on election night. Close races may take longer to call. Mail ballots, provisional ballots, recounts and state counting rules can delay final results. Media organizations may project winners using their own reporting standards, but official certification is handled by election authorities.
The Associated Press election results guide explains why some races are called quickly while others remain unresolved. Reuters has also described how news organizations make race calls, which are projections rather than certifications.
Why Are the 2026 Midterm Elections Important?
The results may affect federal legislation, government oversight and investigations, immigration and border policy, taxes and the economy, healthcare and social policy, and presidential appointments. These effects depend on the composition of Congress, the positions of elected officials and the legislative process. This article does not endorse a candidate or party.
What Voters Should Know About Election Results
Preliminary results are early tabulations that can change as eligible ballots are counted. Unofficial media projections are assessments by news organizations, not government certifications. Official vote canvassing is the process election authorities use to reconcile returns, and certified results are the final results approved by the relevant authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 US midterm elections?
Election Day for the 2026 US midterm general elections is November 3, 2026.
What are the 2026 midterm elections about?
Voters are choosing members of Congress, governors in several states and state and local officials. They are not electing a new president in this election.
How many House seats are up for election in 2026?
All 435 voting seats in the US House of Representatives are contested every two years.
How many Senate seats are being contested?
Thirty-five Senate seats are being contested in the regular 2026 election cycle, with special elections also possible.
Who is leading in the 2026 midterm polls?
As of November 3, 2026, the cited polling aggregators showed a Democratic advantage in the national generic congressional ballot, but polls are not election results.
Which party is expected to control Congress?
Polling and forecasts do not establish who will control Congress. The outcome depends on individual House and Senate races and the official count.
When will the 2026 midterm election results be known?
Some results may be reported on election night, but close races and ballots that take longer to process may delay calls and certification.
Are midterm election polls always accurate?
No. Polls estimate voter preferences and include uncertainty; methodology, sampling and late changes can affect accuracy.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 midterm elections will determine the composition of Congress and influence the remainder of the presidential term. Polling can help describe the political environment, but it is not a substitute for actual vote counts, canvassing and certification.