The United States is in the final stretch before its 2026 midterm elections on November 3, with control of both chambers of Congress genuinely contested.
Republicans currently hold 218 seats in the House of Representatives to Democrats' 214, with one independent, meaning Democrats need a net gain of four seats to retake the majority. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has recently moved a number of races in Democrats' direction, including shifting its ratings on Senate contests in South Carolina and Mississippi toward Democrats, while moving the Minnesota Senate race closer to Republicans. Earlier in the month, the forecaster had already moved eleven House races toward Democrats, a shift analysts have linked in part to voter frustration over inflation and the cost of living.
President Trump has been campaigning heavily for Republican candidates in the campaign's final days, including a recent stop in North Carolina, as he works to help the party hold the House and Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has predicted Republicans will retain their House majority. The redistricting battle has also loomed over the cycle: Trump pushed for a wave of unusual mid-decade redistricting in several states aimed at giving Republicans an advantage in House races, and voters will now determine at the ballot box whether that effort succeeds. In closely watched Senate races such as New Hampshire, where Democrat Chris Pappas faces Republican John Sununu, some candidates have sought distance from the president even while carrying his endorsement, a sign of how individual campaigns are being shaped by local political dynamics.
Early voting has been running at a notable pace in a number of states, which analysts say reflects both high enthusiasm and changes in how campaigns are encouraging supporters to cast ballots ahead of Election Day.
With nine days remaining, expect continued campaign travel by national figures from both parties, further forecaster rating changes as new polling comes in, and a final push on early and absentee voting before polls open on November 3.
What is at stake in the 2026 midterms?
Control of both the House and Senate is contested, along with numerous state and local races across the country.
How many seats do Democrats need to win the House?
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reach the 218 needed for a majority.