Voters Cast Ballots in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

Voters throughout the country headed to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the midterm elections, with control of Congress, dozens of governorships, and major policy proposals all on the line. According to CBS News, more than 60 million people voted early, either in person or by mail.

Congressional and Gubernatorial Races

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate are up for election. Republicans currently hold a narrow, three-seat majority in the U.S. House. In the Senate, the GOP holds a 53-47 majority.

Key races include:

• Senate: In North Carolina, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is running against Republican Michael Whatley. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is running against Republican Mike Rogers. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico is facing Republican Ken Paxton.
• House: In California, Democrats are attempting to capitalize on newly redrawn districts to pick up five seats. In Iowa, Republicans control all four House seats, though three are considered tight races.
• Governors: 36 states are electing governors. In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is running to replace term-limited GOP Governor Brian Kemp. In Iowa, Democrat Rob Sand is running to replace retiring GOP Governor Kim Reynolds.

State Ballot Measures

Voters are deciding on various statewide and local ballot measures. In California, Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires to fund healthcare, food assistance, and education.

Other ballot issues include:

• Redistricting: Voters in Maryland and Missouri are considering proposals regarding how congressional maps are drawn.
• Voting Requirements: California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada are considering proposals for more stringent voter identification requirements.
• Abortion Rights: Missouri voters are deciding whether to repeal a state constitutional amendment protecting reproductive freedoms, while Idaho and Virginia are considering measures related to abortion access.
• Data Centers: More than 40 local ballot measures across over a dozen states, including Ohio, will address data center construction and zoning.

Why it matters

The outcome of these elections will determine the balance of power in Washington and the direction of various state policies. The results will also serve as a significant indicator of the political landscape heading into the 2028 presidential election.

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Sources

• cbsnews.com: Here's what the U.S. is voting on today for the 2026 midterm elections - CBS News
• dw.com: US votes in midterm elections seen as referendum on Trump
• ednc.org: Live updates: 2026 North Carolina midterm election results
• theguardian.com: Midterm elections 2026: how are votes counted and when will we know the results? | US midterm elections 2026 | The Guardian

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.