What does the 2026 midterm election decide?

The 2026 midterm election decides the political makeup of the United States Congress, as well as thousands of state and local offices, halfway through the current president's term.

Here is a breakdown of what is decided:

• The U.S. House of Representatives: All 435 seats in the House are up for election. Because representatives serve two-year terms, the entire chamber is on the ballot every midterm and presidential election year.
• The U.S. Senate: Approximately one-third of the 100 Senate seats (Class II senators) are up for election. Senators serve staggered six-year terms.
• State Governors: 36 states and three U.S. territories will hold elections for governor.
• State and Local Offices: Voters will decide on state legislature seats, mayors, city council members, judges, and local sheriffs depending on their specific jurisdiction.
• Ballot Measures: Many states and counties will vote directly on local laws, constitutional amendments, and tax initiatives.

Why it matters:
Midterm elections determine which political party controls the House and the Senate. This control dictates the legislative agenda, which laws are passed, and whether the president's appointments and policies are supported or blocked for the remaining two years of their term.