US midterm elections 2026 live: Americans go to the polls in referendum on Trump’s agenda

Americans vote in midterms that will determine control of Congress and Trump’s agendaIt’s Tuesday 3 November, which means that after months of campaigning, debate and analysis, the critical US midterm elections that will take the political temperature of the nation halfway through Donald Trump’s second term – and determine the trajectory of the remainder of his presidency – are finally upon us. Americans, who have already voted early in record numbers, will decide the balance of power in Congress and, therefore, Trump’s ability to advance his agenda for the next two years.With the US president almost unprecedentedly unpopular, Democrats are aiming for what would be stunning victories in seats where, for decades, turning blue would have been unthinkable. Trump is not on the ballot, but this election is very much a referendum on the direction of the country under his Republican party.Trump’s agenda has thrown the US into a deeply unpopular – and expensive – war alongside Israel against Iran, sparking a global energy crisis and regional conflict that remains unresolved. The war has exacerbated inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, which had already been worsened by Trump’s chaotic tariff policies. The un-affordability of basic living costs from groceries and gas to childcare, housing and healthcare has been a defining issue of this election, with concerns over the economy turning even deeply conservative seats competitive.The Republicans hold power in the White House and both chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate, but their majority is thin and at risk of erosion. Photograph: Bonnie Cash/UPI/ShutterstockThe second Trump administration has also overseen violent surges of federal immigration enforcement across Democrat-led cities, deeply divisive operations that killed two Americans earlier this year. The administration has pursued an aggressive and cruel mass deportation policy, slashed federal government agencies and Medicaid funding, supported the restriction of abortion rights in many states, and expanded presidential power in unprecedented ways.And now, after months of gerrymandering, efforts to curtail voting rights, and scaremongering over election integrity as Republicans cling to power, also looming over this election is the question of whether Trump and his allies will accept the results.This will be a defining moment for American democracy, so stick with us as we bring you all the latest news, analyses and commentary as it all unfolds.Key events11m agoWhat are the races to watch in the US midterm elections?32m agoAmericans vote in midterms that will determine control of Congress and Trump’s agendaWhat are the races to watch in the US midterm elections?David Smithin WashingtonDonald Trump will still be US president on the morning of 4 November. But he could be facing a very different political landscape, depending on the results of the midterm elections held the previous day.As the name implies, midterm elections fall nearly halfway through a president’s term. They are often a telling referendum on the sitting president’s performance, something Trump is actively encouraging by telling voters “pretend I’m on the ballot”. In this case, voters will decide whether Trump’s Republican party can retain its grip on Congress.Democrats are hoping to capitalise on growing discontent with Trump to seize control of the US House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate. Republicans are fighting to preserve their congressional majorities and prevent a fresh period of legislative paralysis and investigations into the White House.Several Senate contests have emerged as key battlegrounds. In Michigan, progressive Abdul El-Sayed is seeking to hold an open seat for Democrats against Republican Mike Rogers, who received a last-minute endorsement from Democrat Haley Stevens. In Georgia, Jon Ossoff, a Democratic senator, enjoys a healthy poll lead over Republican challenger Mike Collins.In Michigan, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed has been locked in a heated Senate race against Republican ‌Mike Rogers. Photograph: Zach D Roberts/NurPhoto/ShutterstockIn Maine, a state won by Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024, Susan Collins, the Republican senator, is defending her seat against Democrat Troy Jackson. Ohio offers another major test, with Democrat Sherrod Brown seeking to return to the Senate against Republican Jon Husted.Texas has become especially closely watched. Democrat James Talarico is taking on Republican Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general. Republicans have spent about $210m to help the scandal-plagued Paxton. No Democrat has won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. Trump won Texas by nearly 14 points in 2024.James Talarico speaks to supporters during a rally at the University of Texas on 23 October 2026 in Austin. Photograph: Sergio Flores/Getty ImagesIn Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola’s Senate race against Republican incumbent Dan S Sullivan sparked controversy after Republicans accused the candidate of planting a second Dan Sullivan to confuse voters. A judge dismissed a Trump-backed lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska’s Senate race results if Dan Sullivan loses.Other contests in Kansas, Iowa, North Carolina and New Hampshire could help determine which party controls the chamber (if there is a 50-50 split, JD Vance, the vice-president, a Republican, wields the tiebreaker vote). Latest polls show Democrats ahead in Maine, North Carolina and Kansas, and competitive in Ohio. Also on the map this year are South Carolina and Mississippi, two reliably Republican states that have seen aggressive Democratic challenges this year.More on this here in David’s explainer:Americans vote in midterms that will determine control of Congress and Trump’s agendaIt’s Tuesday 3 November, which means that after months of campaigning, debate and analysis, the critical US midterm elections that will take the political temperature of the nation halfway through Donald Trump’s second term – and determine the trajectory of the remainder of his presidency – are finally upon us. Americans, who have already voted early in record numbers, will decide the balance of power in Congress and, therefore, Trump’s ability to advance his agenda for the next two years.With the US president almost unprecedentedly unpopular, Democrats are aiming for what would be stunning victories in seats where, for decades, turning blue would have been unthinkable. Trump is not on the ballot, but this election is very much a referendum on the direction of the country under his Republican party.Trump’s agenda has thrown the US into a deeply unpopular – and expensive – war alongside Israel against Iran, sparking a global energy crisis and regional conflict that remains unresolved. The war has exacerbated inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, which had already been worsened by Trump’s chaotic tariff policies. The un-affordability of basic living costs from groceries and gas to childcare, housing and healthcare has been a defining issue of this election, with concerns over the economy turning even deeply conservative seats competitive.The Republicans hold power in the White House and both chambers of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate, but their majority is thin and at risk of erosion. Photograph: Bonnie Cash/UPI/ShutterstockThe second Trump administration has also overseen violent surges of federal immigration enforcement across Democrat-led cities, deeply divisive operations that killed two Americans earlier this year. The administration has pursued an aggressive and cruel mass deportation policy, slashed federal government agencies and Medicaid funding, supported the restriction of abortion rights in many states, and expanded presidential power in unprecedented ways.And now, after months of gerrymandering, efforts to curtail voting rights, and scaremongering over election integrity as Republicans cling to power, also looming over this election is the question of whether Trump and his allies will accept the results.This will be a defining moment for American democracy, so stick with us as we bring you all the latest news, analyses and commentary as it all unfolds.