US midterm elections 2026 explained: What are they, who is running and what's at stake for Trump

Midterm elections 2026: Winning the presidency does not guarantee a party will keep its hold on Washington. Two years into a president's term, voters get another chance to decide who controls Congress, and that choice can make a real difference to what happens next.

That is the question facing Americans ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. All 435 voting seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are up for election, alongside gubernatorial, state and local races. US president Donald Trump is not on the ballo but the results could affect how much of his agenda moves forward during the remainder of his term.

What Are the US Midterm Elections

Midterms take place halfway through a president's four-year term. Unlike presidential elections, they do not decide who occupies the White House. Instead voters choose their representatives in Congress along with candidates for other offices appearing on their local ballots.


Every House seat is contested every 2 years as representatives serve two year terms. Senate elections follow a different timetable, senators serve six year terms with elections staggered so that roughly one-third of the chamber's seats are contested in a regular election cycle.

The results can change which party controls each chamber. Affecting the legislation lawmakers consider and the support the president receives for his proposals.

Who Is Running in the 2026 US Midterm Elections

The congressional races will draw much of the attention but voters will have other choices to make depending on where they live.

All 435 voting seats in the House are up for election. In the Senate, 33 seats are part of the regular election cycle, while two additional seats are being contested in special elections to fill unexpired terms.

Governors' races are also taking place in 36 states. Voters may also see candidates for state legislatures, judicial positions and local offices, as well as ballot measures dealing with specific issues.

What's at Stake for Republicans and Democrats

Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress. And now midterms will test whether they can hold on to those majorities. Democrats are looking to win enough seats to take control of the House, the Senate or both.

The outcome matters because Congress has a central role in passing federal legislation and approving government spending. A president whose party controls both chambers may find it easier to advance legislative priorities, however, party control alone doesn't guarantee that a proposal will pass.

If Democrats win either chamber, Trump administration could face more resistance to its agenda. Lawmakers could take a different approach to legislation, spending proposals and oversight of the executive branch.

How Could the Midterms Affect Trump's Presidency

Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on president’s performance. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in Congress, a pattern that can make it harder for the administration to advance its legislative agenda, according to Reuters report.

Control of a congressional chamber also affects its agenda and committee leadership. If Democrats take control of a chamber, they would have greater influence over the legislation it considers and the oversight it conducts.

The results could determine how much support he can count on in Congress during the second half of Trump's term.