The first polling places closed in parts of Kentucky and Indiana on Tuesday as counting began in the 2026 US midterm elections. Polls in other parts of the two states were due to close later, and early results offered only a partial picture of contests that will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats, alongside races for governor and other offices.

Democrats entered election day hoping to regain the House, with polling pointing to a possible “blue wave,” while control of the Senate was considered less certain. President Donald Trump defended his record in a closing campaign speech, saying he had kept more promises than he had made. Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said his party was close to a change in direction and to returning to control of the chamber.

In Kentucky, Republican Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL endorsed by Trump, was projected by Decision Desk HQ to win the House race against Democrat Melissa Strange. Gallrein is set to replace Republican Thomas Massie, one of Trump’s prominent critics. In the state’s Senate race, the Republican candidate was leading in early reporting, as expected. The first county result, from Laurel County, showed Republican Senate candidate Andy Barr with 68.7% of the vote against Democrat Charles Booker.

In Indiana’s toss-up 5th Congressional District, the Democratic candidate was ahead with 63% of the vote after more than 30% had been counted, according to the report. Those early figures did not settle the broader contest for control of Congress.

An exit poll cited by CNN found that 39% of voters named the economy as the country’s most important issue, followed by the state of democracy at 32% and immigration at 14%. Crime was the top concern for 3%. A separate CNN voter poll found that 71% believed Congress was not doing enough to provide checks and balances on Trump. CBS reported his approval rating among voters at 38%.

Alaska reported a record 105,423 early and mail-in ballots received so far, surpassing the previous state record of 100,877 set in 2022. The state’s closely watched Senate race pits Democratic candidate Mary Peltola against Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan and independent candidate Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. The incumbent urged voters not to confuse him with his namesake opponent. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said he had opened an inquiry into whether Democrats chose a candidate with the same name deliberately to confuse voters.

Trump was expected to follow election night results from the White House, where a reception was scheduled in the East Room. The White House said Trump and Vice President JD Vance had held more than 50 rallies since September to support Republican candidates. Before the results, Trump also issued a proclamation naming November 1–7 “Anti-Communism Week.”

Sources: La Repubblica.