US midterms on Tuesday to decide control of Congress
Americans vote on Tuesday, November 3, in midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress. All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships are being contested.
- Midterm voting takes place on Tuesday, November 3, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats up for election.
- Republicans currently control both chambers; Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats and control of the House.
- Democrats are trying to contain a rift in Michigan's Senate race, according to France 24.
Americans go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, in the 2026 midterm elections, which will determine which party controls Congress for the next two years. Gulf News and Euronews report that millions have already voted early, in person or by post.
Voters will elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats. Elections for governors in 36 states are also taking place, alongside thousands of state and local contests.
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers. Gulf News reports that Democrats need to win the House, where 218 seats make a majority. Democrats also need a net gain of four seats in the Senate, according to both Gulf News and Euronews.
Donald Trump is not on the ballot, and Euronews notes that he stays in the White House whatever the result. Gulf News says the outcome will decide whether Democrats gain the power to challenge the administration's legislative agenda and step up congressional oversight.
Senate races in Texas, Ohio, Maine, Michigan, Georgia and Alaska are drawing particular attention, according to Gulf News. Euronews lists Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa and Georgia as key states to watch. Voters' concerns include the cost of living, the economy, immigration and foreign policy, Euronews reports.
In Michigan, France 24 reported on Monday that Democrats were trying to contain a rift in the Senate race after a Democrat crossed party lines to endorse the Republican candidate. Both parties made final pitches to voters on the eve of the election.
On timing, Gulf News says the first results and projections could come shortly after 3am UAE time on Wednesday. There is no fixed nationwide announcement time, and close races, outstanding postal ballots, recounts and state counting rules could delay the final outcome. News organisations may project winners before results are officially certified.
Euronews says the results will also help shape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Why it matters
Control of Congress shapes US policy on Pakistan, trade and the region, which is why the result is followed in Pakistan.
