Key Figures and Stakes of the 2026 US Midterm Elections — World news

Approximately 250 million Americans are set to vote on November 3 in the US midterm elections, where all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are up for grabs. Democrats currently hold an 11-point national polling lead and need to win four Senate seats to take control, while Republicans aim to maintain their majority despite President Trump's approval rating standing at 37%.

The United States is preparing for its midterm elections on November 3, a legislative vote held every two years between presidential cycles. Traditionally serving as a referendum on the incumbent president, these elections often result in losses for the party occupying the White House. Approximately 250 million Americans are expected to cast ballots to determine the composition of Congress, with President Trump stating he will respect the results provided the voting is honest.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, as members serve two-year terms. Republicans currently hold a majority in the chamber after expanding their lead by five seats in 2024. To retake control, Democrats need to win only a few districts currently held by Republicans. In the Senate, where terms last six years, one-third of the 100 seats are being contested this year. With Republicans holding 53 seats, Democrats must capture four additional seats to assume control of the chamber.

Beyond federal offices, voters will decide on 36 state governorships and 145 state referendums covering issues ranging from abortion rights to income tax reform. The mandates for elected officials are scheduled to begin on January 3. Recent polling indicates a significant advantage for Democrats; a Siena College survey for The New York Times shows Democratic candidates leading Republicans by 11 percentage points nationally among registered voters.

Public sentiment toward the current administration remains mixed, with Nate Silver's polling average indicating that 37% of Americans view President Trump's management positively, while over 60% hold a negative opinion. Decision Desk HQ estimates a 79% probability that Democrats will regain the House majority and a 57% chance they will take control of the Senate.

Financial expenditure remains a central factor in these campaigns. According to AdImpact, parties and candidates are projected to spend approximately $11.6 billion on advertising in 2026. This figure surpasses the $8.9 billion spent during the 2022 midterms and exceeds the total spending recorded during the 2024 presidential election year.

Sources: G1.