U.S. Voters Cast Ballots in 2026 Midterm Elections

United States voters will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, in midterm elections to determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The elections serve as a direct referendum on the second term of Donald Trump, which has been characterized by a war with Iran, elevated fuel prices, and the frequent use of executive proclamations to bypass congressional authority.

Current forecasts suggest Democrats are favored to win the House, while the Senate remains a toss-up. A Democratic majority in the House would provide the opposition with control over government spending and subpoena power, potentially triggering investigations and impeachment proceedings. In contrast, a Republican sweep would protect the administration's signature policies, including global tariffs, from oversight. The Supreme Court of the United States previously ruled in February that an emergency statute did not grant the president the power to impose such tariffs.

The results are expected to shape the 2028 presidential nomination process by testing the president's influence over the Republican base and the Democratic Party's ability to reconcile internal divisions between moderates and progressives. In Michigan, the Democratic effort to secure the Senate has faced challenges, including a defection by U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, who endorsed the Republican candidate.