U.S. voters cast ballots in 2026 midterms that will decide control of Congress
Published · Updated
What happened
Election Day voting began on November 3, 2026, with U.S. voters choosing members of Congress in races that will decide control of the House and Senate. AP reported that election observers, campaigns, and administrators were closely watching polling-place operations and ballot handling.
Why it matters
Control of Congress determines which party sets committee leadership, floor agenda, and oversight priorities starting in the next session. The vote also sets the near-term path for appropriations, confirmations, investigations, and any effort to advance or block the president's legislative program.
Polling places opened across the United States on November 3 for midterm elections that will determine which party controls the House and Senate in the next Congress. AP reported heavy scrutiny of polling places and ballot administration after prolonged legal and political conflict over election procedures. The results will shape President Donald Trump's governing room, legislative agenda, nominations environment, and oversight exposure over the next two years.
Watch for
Associated Press race calls for U.S. House control by 2026-11-04 Associated Press race calls for U.S. Senate control by 2026-11-04 State election officials in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia reporting extended polling hours or ballot-processing disruptions by 2026-11-04 Federal court dockets in major election-administration cases showing emergency filings or injunctions related to counting or polling access by 2026-11-05
Sources
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