Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections: The fight for Congress and the executive

It is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and Americans are heading to the polls to determine who will control the federal government for the remainder of President Donald Trump's second term. This midterm election is being widely viewed as a referendum on the current administration, with voters weighing in on economic conditions and foreign policy. The results will decide which party holds the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, a distinction that carries significant power over legislation and oversight.

In the House, all 435 seats are up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats while Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. For Democrats to gain control, they need a net gain of three districts. Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats to retain their majority. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. In the Senate, 35 seats are on the ballot, including 33 regular elections and two special elections. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control, while Republicans can only lose two. The Senate race is particularly competitive in states such as Georgia, Maine, and Michigan.

Beyond the federal chambers, 36 governorships are also on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 26 governor's offices, while Democrats hold 24. Among the races this year, each party defends 18 seats. Nineteen of these races have no incumbent, as several governors are term-limited or chose not to run. Democrats are aiming for a nationwide majority in governorships for the first time since 2010. Key governor races are underway in states like Georgia, Nevada, and Ohio, where the outcome could shift the balance of state power.

According to the Associated Press, the mood among voters is shaped by high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of President Trump's job performance, while only 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 voters say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Despite this, more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.

Republican leadership is bracing for potential losses in the House while fighting to hold the Senate. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated, "Everything depends on turnout. If we turn out our voters, we win, and that's what we've been planning for." Conversely, Democrats are cautiously optimistic. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said, "The American people are angry. They want change." The stakes are high for both parties, as a win in even one chamber would likely lead to investigations and possible impeachment proceedings.

President Trump has held dozens of rallies in recent weeks, ending his schedule Sunday in Salina, Kansas, where he told supporters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." His campaign stops included Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president, though his administration has continued to make claims about voting fraud, including that noncitizens vote in large numbers. The administration has also filed lawsuits in Alaska and California, leading some Democrats to fear interference in the election process.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. According to AP analysis of AdImpact data, Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. Eighty-eight.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more.

Voter sentiment is mixed. Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said, "I've just been following Trump the whole time. I really think he's doing an awesome job." In contrast, James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, expressed frustration with the economy, stating, "I'm paying more taxes. I'm paying more for my healthcare. I'm paying more for everything." These individual stories reflect the broader national debate over the cost of living and the direction of the country.

Several Senate races are considered critical to determining control of the chamber. In North Carolina, Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper faces Michael Whatley. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff is running against Republican Representative Mike Collins. In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown challenges Senator Jon Husted. In Michigan, Republican former Representative Mike Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton runs against Democrat James Talarico. In Maine, Senator Susan Collins faces Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. These races are rated as toss-ups or leans by various analysts.

Governor races also feature prominent matchups. In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson faces Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo runs against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy faces Democrat Amy Acton. The AP calls Texas, Florida, and Iowa competitive governor races. Democrats hope to hold a majority of governorships, which would mark a significant shift in state-level power.

To vote today, citizens can find their polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote. ID rules vary by state, so voters should check their state's rules before heading to the polls. Poll hours vary by state. For example, in California, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., while in New York, they are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. In Florida, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters should plan their day accordingly to ensure they have enough time to vote.

The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. This is particularly important in states that rely heavily on mail voting. A federal judge on Monday temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan it says would prevent noncitizen voting. Critics argue that this move risks disenfranchising eligible voters and infringes on states' authority over elections. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on its lists of suspected noncitizens.

Wall Street is watching the election results closely, as they could impact investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for the economy and the political landscape in the United States. As voters cast their ballots, the nation awaits the results that will shape the final two years of the current administration and set the stage for future political battles.