Record Early Voting Marks High-Stakes 2026 U.S. Midterms
Over 16 million Americans have cast early ballots in midterm elections driven by economic concerns and the war in Iran.
More than 16 million Americans have cast early votes in the midterm elections, with record-high turnouts reported in Senate battleground states including Texas, Ohio, and Maine. Economic concerns, specifically the rising costs of gas and groceries, are the primary driver for 84 percent of registered voters according to the Pew Research Center.
Donald Trump faces a record low approval rating of 34 percent as he rallies for Republican candidates. Polling suggests Republicans may lose the House of Representatives and narrowly retain the Senate. In Georgia, voters are weighing the president's record on the economy and the war in Iran. The state's contests include a Senate race between Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Mike Collins, and a governor's race between Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson.
In Michigan, the Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has become a flashpoint for national security and foreign policy. During a recent debate, El-Sayed criticized Rogers for supporting the war in Iran and maintaining ties to weapons manufacturers. Rogers responded by accusing El-Sayed of receiving support from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Muslim Brotherhood, labeling him a risk to national security.
