Americans are preparing to vote in the 2026 midterm elections, a contest that could have significant consequences for the remainder of Donald Trump's second term. The elections will determine the make-up of Congress, with Republicans currently controlling both chambers.
Although Mr Trump is not directly facing voters, the elections are widely seen as a major test of his presidency. The President himself has warned that he could be impeached if Republicans lose control of Congress.
What are the Midterm Elections?
The US midterm elections are held halfway through a president's four-year term. Americans use the elections to decide the make-up of Congress, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Congress plays a key role in the US political system, including creating and passing federal laws that apply across the country. Elections to Congress take place every two years, with those falling in the middle of a presidential term known as the "midterms".
The results influence which political party controls Congress and can therefore have a major impact on how easily a president can pursue their political agenda. Midterms are also widely regarded as a measure of how voters feel about the sitting president's performance halfway through their term.
When and Who Is Being Elected?
The 2026 US midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3. Tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots through early voting ahead of election day.
Polls will close at different times across the country, beginning at 6pm Eastern Time in parts of Kentucky and Indiana. The final polls will not close until 1am Eastern Time in parts of Alaska.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested because members serve two-year terms. Another 35 of the Senate's 100 seats are also up for grabs, with senators serving staggered six-year terms.
Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but their majority in the House is extremely narrow. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to take control of the House, while taking the Senate requires a net gain of four seats. Voters will also choose politicians at state level, with several closely watched gubernatorial elections taking place.
What Is at Stake for Trump?
If Democrats take control of either the House or Senate, Mr Trump could find it significantly harder to get legislation and budgets through Congress. Democratic control could also expose his administration to greater scrutiny, with congressional committees able to launch investigations, call people to testify and demand documents. There is also debate among Democrats about whether to try and impeach Mr Trump.
The midterm results will also provide an important indication of the political mood ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Mr Trump is constitutionally barred from being elected for a third term, although he has repeatedly floated the prospect of running again in 2028.
If Republicans retain control of Congress, Mr Trump would be in a much stronger position to continue pursuing his agenda for the remainder of his time in office.
