03.11.2026 14:32
In the US, approximately 210 million registered voters are at the polls for the midterm elections to determine control of Congress in the second half of US President Donald Trump's term. In the elections, votes are being cast for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate.
About 210 million registered voters will cast ballots in the midterm elections held at the midpoint of US President Donald Trump's 4-year term. Voting has begun for the election, in which all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will be decided.
CURRENT PICTURE
Currently, the majority in the House of Representatives is held by Republicans with 218 seats, while Democrats have 214 seats. In the House, 1 independent member caucuses with Republicans, while 2 seats are vacant. In the 435-seat House, reaching the threshold of 218 seats is required to gain control and the majority. In the 100-seat Senate, meanwhile, Democrats, who form a 47-seat bloc with 45 senators and 2 independent members against Republicans with 53 members, must win a net 4 seats to secure the majority.
TRUMP'S POWER IN CONGRESS TO BE TESTED
While the cost of living driven by rising gasoline, housing and healthcare expenses stands out in voters' preferences, the US-Israel war with Iran and artificial intelligence technologies are among other prominent issues. If Democrats win a majority in either chamber of Congress as a result of the elections, they will gain the power to block Trump administration bills, reject appointments and launch investigations into the administration.
POLLS TO CLOSE AT 18:00
It was reported that polls will begin closing at 18:00 local time, and that determining the final results could take days due to postal votes. The newly elected members of Congress will be sworn in and take office on January 3, 2027.
WHAT DO THE POLLS SAY?
According to the average of nationwide polls on the elections, although Democrats appear advantaged in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the outcome is expected to be determined by the districts where the race is neck and neck.
DEMOCRATS APPEAR AHEAD IN THE SENATE
According to the table on the RealClearPolitics (RCP) news platform, which compiles national and state-level polls, Democrats are projected to win 47 of the Senate seats and Republicans 44.
VANCE'S VOTE COULD GIVE REPUBLICANS A MAJORITY
Of the 9 seats where the race remains neck and neck, 8 appear Republican-leaning and 1 Democratic-leaning. Republicans are expected to reach 50 seats in the Senate if they win at least 6 of the seats in the 9 states where the race is neck and neck. If a 50-50 tie occurs in the Senate, Vice President JD Vance's tie-breaking vote could give Republicans the majority. Under the law, the US Vice President, who also serves as President of the Senate, can cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of their party.
WHO HAS THE ADVANTAGE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES?
In the House of Representatives, where all seats are up for election, the party that reaches 218 seats will gain the majority. According to the current RCP table, Republicans are expected to win 180 seats in the House and Democrats 227.
In the race between Democrats and Republicans for 28 seats in the House of Representatives, however, the gap is narrowing. Accordingly, Democrats, who are expected to gain the majority, appear to have the advantage in the House of Representatives.