Control of Congress at stake as Trump faces voter backlash
Americans are preparing to vote in the 2026 US midterm elections on Tuesday, with control of Congress, President Donald Trump’s political standing and the direction of his administration’s remaining two years in office at stake.
The elections will determine whether Trump’s Republican Party retains its majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate or whether opposition Democrats make significant gains and take control of one or both chambers.
Although Trump is not seeking re-election, the midterms are widely viewed as a referendum on his performance since returning to the White House in January 2025. The economy, immigration, healthcare, living costs and foreign policy have emerged as major issues shaping the campaign.
As of November 2, voting has not concluded and no official nationwide results are available.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are being contested. The Senate elections comprise 33 regular contests and two special elections. Voters will also elect governors in 36 states, alongside thousands of state and local representatives.
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House, with 218 seats against 214 for Democrats, alongside vacancies. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats in either chamber to secure control.
The narrow margins mean that a small number of competitive races could determine the balance of power.
A Democratic victory in the House would give the party control of committees, greater influence over legislation and the ability to conduct congressional investigations into the administration.
Republicans, meanwhile, are seeking to preserve their majorities to protect Trump’s legislative agenda.
Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign, urging supporters to treat the midterms as a vote on his presidency. He has campaigned for Republican candidates, seeking to mobilise his political base.
However, opinion surveys indicate public dissatisfaction with aspects of his administration.
A Pew Research Centre survey conducted between September 28 and October 4 placed Trump’s approval rating at 30 per cent. A Reuters poll cited in October put his approval at around 31 per cent.
Democrats have sought to turn this dissatisfaction into electoral support, focusing on household expenses, healthcare and the consequences of government policies. Republicans have defended the administration’s record, highlighting tax measures, border enforcement and national security.
The cost of living has emerged as a major concern for voters. Food, housing, healthcare and fuel prices have become central campaign issues, with Democrats arguing that the administration has failed to ease financial pressures on ordinary households.
Energy prices have also attracted attention amid the conflict involving Iran and its potential implications for international oil markets.
Immigration remains another major dividing line. Republicans defend stricter border controls and increased enforcement as necessary for national security, while Democrats have criticised the administration’s immigration operations and treatment of migrants.
The parties have also clashed over healthcare spending, federal social programmes and taxation.
Several closely contested Senate elections could determine control of the upper chamber.
Among the states attracting particular attention are Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Alaska, Kansas and Nebraska.
Ohio is a significant battleground, with former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown challenging Republican incumbent Jon Husted. Michigan is another closely watched contest, while Alaska and Texas have also attracted substantial political attention.
The Senate outcome matters because control of the chamber influences legislation, presidential appointments and the confirmation of federal judges.
Early voting has been substantial in several states. According to the University of Florida’s Election Lab, more than 51 million Americans had cast ballots by October 31.
However, early voting figures alone cannot predict the final outcome. Participation patterns differ between states, and the results will depend on Election Day turnout and the counting of previously submitted ballots.
Independent voters could also influence competitive races. Their preferences may prove particularly important in constituencies where neither major party has a comfortable advantage.
The election has also been accompanied by legal disputes involving voter registration and ballot procedures.
Reuters has reported on administration efforts to pursue legal action involving voter rolls in several states, as well as a dispute concerning more than 20,000 California mail-in ballots. A federal appeals court rejected an emergency request to set aside those ballots.
Such disputes have added to political tensions, although confidence in the electoral process remains significant among voters.
The results could substantially reshape the political environment in Washington.
If Republicans retain both chambers, Trump will have a stronger opportunity to advance his legislative agenda during the final two years of his term.
If Democrats win the House, the administration could face greater congressional scrutiny, investigations and resistance to its policies. A Democratic Senate majority would also complicate presidential appointments and legislative priorities.
A divided Congress could produce deadlock over federal spending, immigration, healthcare and taxation.
The elections will also offer an important indication of the political climate ahead of the 2028 presidential contest.
For now, the balance of power remains undecided. Tuesday’s vote will determine whether Americans continue to give Republicans congressional support or strengthen the Democrats’ ability to challenge Trump’s administration.
