Midterms Set to Test Control of Congress

Voters are scheduled to decide control of Congress and a wide range of state offices in the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, a contest that will shape the political environment for President Donald Trump’s final two years in office. No results are available yet, and forecasts point to uncertainty in the races that could determine the balance of power. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, along with 36 governorships and state legislative contests. Early voting has begun in some states. The election date, Tuesday, November 3, is three weeks away as of October 14. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority. Two independents caucus with Democrats, who would need a net gain of four seats to reach 51, assuming they retain their existing seats. That arithmetic makes a small number of competitive contests especially consequential, though neither party’s control of Congress is settled. Forecasts offer differing assessments of the Senate map. Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow James M.