Americans are voting in the 2026 midterm elections, a crucial test of President Donald Trump’s leadership and the Republican Party’s control of Congress. Trump has expressed confidence in the outcome, saying the results will be “better than you think” as voters decide which party will control the legislature for the remaining two years of his presidency.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are being contested. Voters in 36 states are also choosing governors, making the election one of the most consequential political events of Trump’s second term.

Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress. Democrats are seeking to gain enough seats to take control of at least one chamber, which would give them greater influence over legislation, federal spending and congressional oversight of the administration.

Trump faces a major political test

The midterm elections are widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency, with economic concerns, immigration, foreign policy and the cost of living among the major issues shaping the campaign.

Democrats have sought to make affordability and dissatisfaction with the administration central themes of their campaigns. Republicans, meanwhile, have defended the president’s economic record and highlighted their policy priorities.

More than 57 million Americans had already voted before Election Day, according to figures cited by CBS News. Early voting activity and voter enthusiasm have drawn particular attention as both parties compete in closely contested races.

Key Senate races draw national attention

Several competitive Senate contests could determine control of the chamber. Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Alaska, Maine, Michigan and Texas are among the states receiving close attention from political observers.

The House race is also expected to be closely fought, with a relatively narrow Republican majority leaving little room for losses.

In Michigan, the Senate contest attracted additional attention after Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers over her party’s nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. The development has created fresh political debate within the state’s Democratic ranks.

Supreme Court rejects Trump administration request

The election campaign also saw a significant legal development. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s request to set aside thousands of disputed mail-in ballots in California. The administration had sought action involving ballots from voters it alleged might not be citizens.

The decision came amid broader disputes over election procedures and voting rules ahead of the midterms.

What is at stake

The election outcome will determine how much legislative support Trump can expect during the second half of his presidency. Continued Republican control could make it easier for the administration to advance its legislative agenda. If Democrats take control of either chamber, they could increase scrutiny of the administration and complicate efforts to pass new laws and budgets.

With polling stations open and votes being counted as results become available, attention is now turning to key battleground states and districts. The final balance of power in Congress will offer an important indication of the political direction of the United States ahead of the 2028 presidential election.