US Midterms Put Control of Congress to the Test

The 2026 US midterm elections take place November 3, with voters deciding control of Congress in a consequential test of President Donald Trump’s administration. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are contested; the results will shape the legislative and oversight balance for the final two years of his term. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, and Democrats are seeking to take one or both. A change in control could affect the administration’s ability to advance its agenda and give Democrats greater influence over legislation, government spending and congressional oversight. The elections do not include a presidential contest. Pre-election projections point to a possible Democratic gain in the House, while the Senate contest is described as less certain. A November 1 YouGov survey cited in one account showed Democratic candidates leading in several Senate races, including Texas, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Iowa. Some of those contests remained within the margin of error, and the survey and forecasts do not establish results. The election is also being watched as a measure of public views of Trump’s leadership and policies. The outcome could...