Trump’s political influence at stake as Americans vote in midterm elections 

WASHINGTON, D.C. | November 3, 2026 | Millions of Americans are voting in closely watched midterm elections that could reshape the balance of power in Congress and determine how much political influence President Donald Trump retains during the remaining two years of his second term. Democrats are seeking to regain control of the House of Representatives, while the battle for the Senate remains highly competitive, according to reports by Reuters and The Associated Press.

The elections are widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency, with voter concerns over the cost of living, rising fuel prices, economic policies and the administration’s handling of the war involving Iran emerging as major campaign issues. The results will determine whether Republicans retain control of both chambers or Democrats gain greater authority to challenge the president’s legislative agenda and scrutinize his administration.

More than 59 million Americans had already cast their ballots before Election Day, according to an Associated Press analysis. The figure reached approximately 59.7 million by Tuesday, exceeding the slightly more than 58 million early votes recorded during the 2022 midterm elections. The total includes both early in-person voting and mail-in ballots.

A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted from Thursday through Monday found that 48 percent of registered voters identified the cost of living as their most important consideration in deciding how to vote, compared with 26 percent who cited democratic norms and 13 percent who identified immigration. The poll also found that 55 percent of voters believed the military action against Iran had not been worth its cost, while only 25 percent considered it worthwhile.

The survey further indicated that 48 percent of respondents who planned to vote or had already voted viewed their ballots as a vote against Trump, compared with 25 percent who considered their votes supportive of the president. Another 25 percent said Trump was not a factor in their voting decisions.

Control of the House of Representatives is particularly competitive. Democrats need a net gain of three seats to secure a majority, while Republicans are defending their narrow advantage. In the 100-member Senate, Democrats need to gain four seats to take control, making their path to a majority more difficult because several closely contested races are in states currently represented by Republicans.

Among the closely watched Senate contests are races in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas. The House battle is concentrated in competitive districts across the country, including states where Democrats are attempting to win seats in areas that supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Surveys and nonpartisan election analysts have generally favored Democrats to regain the House, although the Senate outcome remains less certain.

Election Day also brought reports of technical and administrative problems at several polling locations. In Pennsylvania’s Chester County, three precincts received a 30-minute extension after voting machine setup issues delayed their opening. In North Carolina, five polling locations were allowed to remain open longer after computer problems disrupted voting operations.

In Georgia, approximately 1,000 early ballots were scheduled for rescanning as a precaution following equipment failures involving two scanners. State officials said the additional procedure would not delay the reporting of election results. Meanwhile, programming problems involving voting equipment disrupted ballot tabulation in Westchester County, New York, prompting officials to implement emergency procedures while working to restore scanning operations.

Michigan election officials also raised concerns over federal election monitors who reportedly questioned polling workers about their training and requested access to training materials in Dearborn and Flint. State officials said such actions were not permitted under election rules, while the U.S. Justice Department agreed to inform the monitors of the restrictions.

Despite the reported problems, election officials and experts noted that backup procedures and other safeguards are in place to address equipment failures. The incidents have nevertheless drawn attention to the administration of voting operations and the importance of ensuring that ballots are properly counted.

Beyond Congress, voters in 36 states are also choosing governors, adding another dimension to an election that could reshape the country’s political landscape. Several states are also holding ballot measure votes involving abortion rights, congressional redistricting and other public policy issues.

A Democratic victory in either congressional chamber would give the opposition greater authority to conduct investigations, scrutinize federal policies and challenge Trump’s legislative priorities. Retaining Republican control, meanwhile, would allow the president to continue advancing his agenda with support from majorities in both chambers.

Historically, midterm elections have often proved difficult for the party occupying the White House. Reuters reported that the president’s party has lost congressional ground in all but two midterm elections since World War II, making the 2026 contests another significant test of Trump’s political standing and the direction of his second administration.

Under the U.S. electoral system, midterm elections take place every two years, halfway through a president’s four-year term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested, while 35 of the 100 Senate seats are on the ballot in this election. These contests determine which party controls the two chambers and exercises legislative power during the next two years.

As voting continued across the country, control of Congress remained undetermined, with election officials preparing to release results after polling places closed. The counting of mail-in ballots, closely contested races and state-specific election procedures could delay the final determination of congressional control.

The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections is expected to shape federal legislation, government oversight and the balance of political power in Washington through the final two years of Trump’s second presidential term.