US voters decide control of Congress in midterm elections

US voters will decide Tuesday whether Republicans keep control of Congress or Democrats gain the power to block President Donald Trump’s legislative plans and investigate his administration.

The Nov. 3 midterm elections come halfway through Trump’s second term. His name is not on the ballot, but he has urged Republican voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” making the contest an explicit test of his presidency.

All 435 voting seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are at stake. Congress writes federal laws, and both chambers must approve legislation before it can become law. House members serve two-year terms; senators serve six-year terms, with their elections staggered.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers. The Guardian reported that Democrats need a net gain of four House seats to take control. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats and independents who caucus with them hold 47. Democrats need four additional seats for a majority: A 50-50 split would leave Republican Vice-President JD Vance with the tie-breaking vote.

Thirty-three Senate seats are being contested in regular elections, with two special elections in Florida and Ohio, according to The Guardian. The outlet also reported that voters will choose governors in 36 states and three US territories, alongside thousands of state and local officials. State contests and ballot measures cover issues including taxes, abortion rights and voting rules.

The cost of living is a central issue, with voters facing high prices for groceries, fuel, housing and healthcare. The BBC reported that inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s target, partly because of the war the United States and Israel started with Iran in February. Democrats also argue that Trump’s trade tariffs have raised prices.

Immigration is another dividing line. Republicans say Trump has fulfilled a 2024 campaign promise by tightening the border and cracking down on illegal immigration. The Guardian reported that polls suggest many voters believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement has gone too far. Artificial intelligence has also moved up the agenda: The BBC reported that senior politicians in both parties favor regulation, while Trump opposes laws controlling the technology’s development.

The president’s party has lost House seats in 18 of the past 20 midterm elections, according to The Guardian. The outlet said Democrats led Republicans by 8.2 points in the RealClearPolitics average of national generic polls in early October. The BBC cited Silver Bulletin polling that put Trump’s approval at about 37% in early October, with 61% disapproving.

Those national figures do not decide individual races. The Cook Political Report identified 18 House districts and seven Senate contests as toss-ups, the BBC reported. Both parties have also pursued favorable House district maps, adding uncertainty to the election.

If Democrats win either chamber, they could obstruct legislation Trump supports and use congressional committees to investigate his administration. If Republicans retain both, Trump will have a clearer path to pursue his plans through Congress for the final two years of his term.