Trump Expresses Optimism as Voters Head to Polls in 2026 Midterms
President Donald Trump told voters to act as though he were on the ballot as Americans cast ballots to decide control of Congress.
Polling shows that the economy remains the single biggest driver for voters, with high prices on gas and groceries fueling widespread discontent over the administration’s handling of the economy. Fox News reported that persistent inflation is tied in part to an unpopular war with Iran.
The Control of Congress at Stake on Election Day
Control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress hangs in the balance as polls open across the country. 35 Senate seats are up for election, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to win back the majority. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, meaning the GOP needs to retain at least 50 seats to keep control thanks to Vice President JD Vance serving as the tie-breaking vote.
Four seats could reshape the remainder of President Trump’s presidency. That is the net gain Democrats need to secure control of the House on 3 November. We explain what’s at stake and what a shift in congressional power would mean. → https://t.co/SWOqOXqTT8 pic.twitter.com/7qnlE2qXbb
To capture the upper chamber, Democrats must defend battleground seats while picking up Republican-held ground in states like Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. President Trump won all of those target states except Maine during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 cycles. In the House, all 435 seats are contested. With 219 House members caucusing alongside Republicans at the start of Election Day, the party has an extremely narrow margin for error if it wishes to maintain its majority.
Republicans Target Trump Districts with Heavy Television Ad Spending
Seeking to defy the historical trend where the president’s party generally sheds congressional seats during midterms, Republicans mounted a vigorous redistricting campaign. Data scrutinized by The Associated Press from the media tracking organization AdImpact revealed that 88.1% of general election television ad expenditures by Republicans went toward states and districts carried by Trump in 2024, which featured upwards of $850 million allocated for reservations in locations where Trump triumphed by a margin of 10 percentage points or higher. More than 57 million people had already cast ballots as of Monday.
All across the country, I’ve heard from folks who are sick and tired of what they’re seeing from politicians right now. This Election Day, we have the power to vote for the candidates who will bring about the change we need.
President Trump urged his supporters to act as though he is running, even as many Republican candidates have tried to keep their distance, to drive turnout among low-propensity voters. Meanwhile, approval ratings for the administration remain low. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reported that only 35% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance, with 25% of U.S. adults pointing to the economy as his strongest former issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Midterms
How many governorships are being decided in these midterms?
Voters are casting ballots in 36 gubernatorial contests across the country. Prior to the opening of polls on Election Day, the gubernatorial landscape consisted of 26 Republican governors and 24 Democratic governors, alongside 19 open seats resulting from departing incumbents.
What are the key battleground states for the U.S. Senate?
Competitive Senate races are unfolding in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas, alongside battlegrounds such as Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire.
When will final election results be available?
While a few races might find closure on election night, fiercely competitive matchups could demand several days or even weeks for final determinations as election workers tabulate remaining votes and finish the canvassing and certification procedures.
America is what we make of it. Make your plan to vote today: https://t.co/w9kCAN6vft
More on President Trump
On this Election Day, we must vote to hold Donald Trump and his corrupt administration accountable. We must end Republican control over the Senate and House. Please get out and vote — and make sure your friends do as well. pic.twitter.com/G2mpk9bs8F
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