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

Polls open across the US where key Senate and House races will decide which party controls Congress for remainder of Donald Trump’s second term Sign up for the Breaking News US email What are the races to watch and why do they matter? The US Congress has two chambers: the House o

Polls open across the US where key Senate and House races will decide which party controls Congress for remainder of Donald Trump’s second term Sign up for the Breaking News US email What are the races to watch and why do they matter? The US Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate . Both must approve federal legislation before it can become law and both play important roles in overseeing the executive branch.

The House is elected every two years, meaning all 435 voting seats are contested at every congressional election. The Senate has 100 members serving staggered six-year terms, so roughly a third of its seats are up for election every two years. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives.

Republicans are defending a narrow majority, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control. 35 seats in the Senate. Thirty-three seats are up in regular elections, along with two special elections in Florida and Ohio to fill the remainder of terms that were vacated early.

Republicans currently hold 53 seats, against 47 held by Democrats and independents who caucus with them. Democrats need to gain four seats to secure a majority. 39 governorships.

Voters will choose governors in 36 states and three US territories. Thousands of state legislative seats , as well as local offices, judicial contests and ballot measures on issues including taxes, abortion rights and voting rules. Continue reading...