Midterm results could shift control of Congress

Voters across the United States headed to the polls Tuesday to decide the balance of power in Washington. The midterm election serves as a direct test of President Donald Trump’s second term, with high prices and the war in Iran weighing on voters.

Democrats entered the day with cautious optimism. They bet that anger over Trump’s failure to lower costs and his focus on Washington would drive their turnout. Republicans spent the final campaign stretch pouring tens of millions of dollars into states Trump won in 2024. They hoped their money advantage would help them hold the Senate and limit losses in the House.

The stakes are narrow. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the 100-member Senate to win the majority. In the 435-member House, they need three seats. One or two races could tip the balance in either chamber.

More than 57 million people had already cast ballots by Monday. Turnout in many closely watched states surpassed the early vote totals from four years ago. Trump told voters to act as though he were running, even though many Republican candidates kept their distance. He claimed in a Fox News interview that inflation was solved, despite Commerce Department data showing consumer prices rose 3.6% in September from a year earlier.

In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mark Barker said he voted with Trump top of mind. He cited the president’s promise of $5,000 for every adult if Republicans kept Congress. In Raleigh, North Carolina, librarian James Moore voted for Democrats to push back on tax breaks and spending cuts. He said he pays more for healthcare and everything else.

Trump traveled to red states including Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas during the final days. His administration filed lawsuits in Alaska and California over voting procedures. In New York’s Westchester County, officials reported a machine issue with paper ballots. They placed the affected ballots in emergency bags for later counting but said the votes would remain secure.

The outcome will shape the final two years of Trump’s term. If Democrats take one chamber, they can launch investigations and block nominees. Republicans tried to use aggressive redistricting to protect their map, but districts drawn in Florida and other states may not vote as expected. In Texas, Trump backed Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn, setting up a costly race. In North Carolina, former Senator Thom Tillis retired, and his replacement, Michael Whatley, struggles against former Governor Roy Cooper.

Thirty-six states are electing governors. Democrats hope to take a majority of statehouses for the first time in two decades. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House if his party wins. He outlined a 100-day agenda focused on lowering living costs and overseeing the administration. The 2026 election is likely the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outspending Democrats due to money from Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk.