ELECTION NIGHT 2026
November 3, 2026 · Midterm Elections
Balance of Power
Pre-ElectionU.S. Senate
U.S. House
Path to Majority
Senate · 33 seats at stake
Dems Need
4
net gains for 51
GOP Hold
0
already at majority
Class II senators (elected 2020). Democrats defending 12, Republicans defending 21.
House · All 435 seats
Dems Need
3
net gains for 218
GOP Hold
0
already at majority
All 435 House seats. Every House seat is contested.
Key Races to Watch
18 racesSenate
Georgia
Senate
Arizona
Senate
North Carolina
Senate
Michigan
Senate
Texas
Senate
Iowa
Senate
Maine
Senate
Colorado
House
California CD-22
House
New York CD-17
House
Pennsylvania CD-7
House
Michigan CD-7
House
Virginia CD-7
House
Ohio CD-1
House
Nebraska CD-2
Governor
Florida
Governor
Pennsylvania
Governor
Ohio
Poll Closing Timeline
All times Eastern. Some states span two time zones; partial closings noted.
6:00 PM ET
7:00 PM ET
7:30 PM ET
8:00 PM ET
8:30 PM ET
9:00 PM ET
10:00 PM ET
11:00 PM ET
12:00 AM ET
1:00 AM ET
Historical Context
Past MidtermsThe president's party has lost House seats in all but two midterms since WWII. Here is how recent midterms played out.
2022
Biden (D) · 42% approval
House
R+9
Senate
D+1
Gov
D+2
Red ripple instead of expected red wave. Democrats held Senate and limited House losses.
2018
Trump (R) · 40% approval
House
D+40
Senate
R+2
Gov
D+7
Blue wave in the House. Democrats gained 40 seats and flipped the chamber.
2014
Obama (D) · 43% approval
House
R+13
Senate
R+9
Gov
R+2
Republicans gained Senate majority and expanded House majority.
2010
Obama (D) · 45% approval
House
R+63
Senate
R+6
Gov
R+6
Tea Party wave. Largest House seat swing since 1948.
2006
Bush (R) · 37% approval
House
D+31
Senate
D+6
Gov
D+6
Democrats swept both chambers amid Iraq War opposition.
Average Midterm House Loss (President's Party)
Average since 1946. Actual results vary with approval, economy, and candidate quality.