US midterm elections put President Donald Trump’s political influence to the test, with Democrats seeking control of the House and Senate races remaining highly competitive.
American voters are heading to the polls in the 2026 midterm elections, a crucial political test for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. The results could reshape the balance of power in Washington, as Democrats look to regain control of Congress and challenge the president’s legislative agenda during the remaining years of his second term.
Political forecasts suggest Democrats have a strong opportunity to take control of the House of Representatives, while the battle for the Senate remains considerably tighter. Nearly 10 closely contested Senate races could determine which party controls the upper chamber.
Historically, the president’s party tends to lose congressional seats during midterm elections. Since World War II, Republicans and Democrats have experienced setbacks in almost every midterm election held during their respective presidencies.
Trump’s declining approval ratings have added to Republican concerns. Rising fuel prices, economic uncertainty, the administration’s tariff policies and public dissatisfaction over the conflict with Iran have become major issues for voters.
The president has repeatedly encouraged supporters to treat the election as a direct judgment on his leadership. During campaign appearances, Trump has urged voters to imagine that his name is on the ballot, reinforcing his central role in the Republican campaign.
Since early October, he has participated in more than two dozen campaign rallies, primarily in states that supported him in the 2024 presidential election. Republicans have also attempted to portray Democratic candidates as politically extreme, while Democrats have focused heavily on economic affordability and the administration’s policy decisions.
Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, alongside 35 seats in the 100-member Senate. Democrats need to secure at least three additional House seats and four Senate seats to establish majorities in both chambers.
A Democratic victory in either chamber would significantly affect Trump’s ability to advance his legislative priorities. House Democrats could initiate investigations into administration policies and alleged conflicts of interest, while a Democratic-controlled Senate could delay or reject presidential appointments, including potential Supreme Court nominees.
However, the Democratic Party faces a challenging electoral map. It must defend its existing seats while making gains in traditionally Republican states such as Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
Michigan Senate Contest Draws National Attention
Michigan has emerged as one of the most closely watched Senate battlegrounds. Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, 42, is competing against Republican former Representative Mike Rogers, 63.
The contest took an unexpected turn after Democratic politician Haley Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the party’s primary, publicly endorsed Rogers.
The development could influence Democratic support in the state, particularly among voters who remain divided following the primary campaign.
El-Sayed’s candidacy has also attracted national attention because he could become the first Muslim senator in American history if elected. His support for universal healthcare and criticism of Israeli government policies have made him a prominent figure among progressive voters.
Texas and Kansas Offer Democrats Unexpected Opportunities
Texas is another important battleground, with Democratic candidate James Talarico attempting to challenge Republican dominance in the traditionally conservative state.
Talarico is facing Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose campaign has received substantial financial backing, including significant support from billionaire Elon Musk.
Kansas is also attracting attention after Democrat Adam Hamilton established a narrow polling advantage over Republican Senator Roger Marshall. A Democratic victory would represent a major political upset, considering Trump’s double-digit victory in the state in 2024 and its long history of supporting Republican Senate candidates.
Meanwhile, Alaska’s Senate contest has become controversial following allegations involving a third-party candidate sharing the name of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Democratic candidate Mary Peltola has denied involvement in efforts to recruit the candidate.
The Trump administration’s Justice Department has opened an investigation into the allegations, adding another political dimension to the closely watched contest.
Maine Senate Race Faces Unexpected Changes
In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins is seeking another term against Democratic candidate Troy Jackson.
The race changed direction after Democratic oyster farmer Graham Platner withdrew from the contest following allegations of misconduct, which he denied. Jackson, a former president of the Maine State Senate, subsequently became the Democratic nominee.
Collins faces the challenge of maintaining Republican representation in a state that generally leans Democratic. Her long political career and previous election victories could prove important in the contest.
Other competitive Senate races are taking place in Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio and South Carolina, where Republicans are attempting to protect seats against Democratic challenges.
Trump’s Justice Department Faces Election Controversies
Beyond congressional races, election-related legal disputes have become another major issue.
According to election analysts, approximately 47 House races are considered competitive. Democrats may need to win only a portion of these contests to secure a majority, depending on the outcomes in other districts.
Republican efforts to redraw congressional district boundaries in several states have also attracted attention. The changes were intended to improve the party’s electoral position, although early assessments suggest they may not deliver all the advantages expected by the White House.
Democrats have raised concerns about possible challenges to election results if Republicans suffer major losses. These concerns have intensified following Justice Department actions involving election procedures in Alaska and California.
In California, the administration filed a lawsuit seeking to block certain ballots it considers potentially invalid. However, the US Supreme Court rejected the administration’s request for an emergency order in the case.
The elections also extend beyond Congress. Voters are deciding 36 gubernatorial contests, thousands of state legislative races and numerous ballot measures covering major issues, including abortion rights, taxation and proposals targeting billionaire wealth.