US Midterm Elections 2026

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Midterms fall halfway through a presidential term and decide control of Congress and many state offices, without the presidency itself being on the ballot.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 Senate seats (including special elections in Florida and Ohio), and 39 state governorships. Many state legislatures and local offices are also up.

Republicans hold both chambers narrowly: about 220-215 in the House and 53-45 in the Senate, with two independents caucusing with the Democrats. Small shifts could flip control of either chamber.

In the House, Democrats need a net gain of about three districts for a majority. In the Senate, they need a net gain of four seats. Those are narrow margins, which is why 2026 is closely watched.

Among the most-watched are North Carolina, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Alaska. Analysts often cite Maine and North Carolina as Democratic targets, while Republicans eye seats such as Georgia and Michigan. Ratings shift over the campaign, so treat any prediction as provisional.

Historically, the party holding the White House tends to lose congressional seats in midterm elections. That is a long-run pattern, not a guarantee, and each cycle depends on the economy, turnout, candidates and events.

Control of Congress shapes US budgets, trade and tariff policy, aid, and the ability to pass or block the president's agenda. Because US policy has worldwide effects, the balance of the House and Senate after November 2026 is watched well beyond America.