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2026 US Midterm Elections

The November 2026 US midterm elections will determine control of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Where it stands

Early in-person voting is underway, and Democrats are contesting Senate seats in reliably Republican states while holding the clearer path to House control.

Democratic generic-ballot margin among independents
16percentage points
Following:
October 2026
Wed, Oct 7
Oct 7Republicans feared $1 billion might not avert midterm losses
Mon, Oct 5
Oct 5Offshore oddsmakers favored Democrats to win both congressional chambers
Sun, Oct 4
Oct 4Bill Maher predicted a historic Republican midterm defeat
Sat, Oct 3
Oct 3Democrats gained ground in reliably Republican Senate battlegrounds
Fri, Oct 2
Oct 2House Democrats expanded spending and targets in Republican districts
Thu, Oct 1
Oct 1Early voting data showed signs of a Democratic advantage
September 2026
Thu, Sep 24
Sep 24New poll put Democrats 11 points ahead for Congress
Wed, Sep 23
Sep 23Republican groups poured campaign cash into reliably Republican states
Sep 23Polls showed Trump disapproval shaping voters' midterm choices
Fri, Sep 18
Sep 18Voters began casting in-person midterm ballots
Sep 18Republicans voiced alarm over their congressional election prospects
Tue, Sep 8
Sep 8Polling showed Democrats held the clearer House path
Mon, Sep 7
Sep 7Campaign entered final two-month sprint for congressional control
Thu, Sep 3
Sep 3Democrats mounted campaigns in strongly Republican territory
August 2026
Sun, Aug 23
Aug 23Democrats' chances of winning Senate control increased
Tue, Aug 18
Aug 18US House speaker predicted Republicans would retain their majority
Wed, Aug 5
Aug 5House Democrats added 12 Republican-held districts to their targets
17 new events