Americans went to the polls for congressional midterm elections that would determine control of all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. Republicans held both chambers, but Democrats sought to capitalize on dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s policies, rising living costs and the war with Iran. Polling gave Democrats an advantage in the House, while the Senate contest appeared tighter.¹

Voting began in Vermont before polling stations opened across the country. The outcome was framed as a referendum on Trump: a Democratic takeover of both chambers could sharply restrict his agenda and potentially expose him to impeachment proceedings. The election also carried implications for Democrats considering presidential bids in 2028.¹

Trump campaigned intensively for Republican candidates and remained confident on election day. In an interview with Fox News, he said the results would be “better than you think,” pointing to a 30-day campaign tour and packed stadiums as evidence of Republican momentum. He also described the United States as “the most respected country in the world” and criticized Europe as “falling apart.”²

The vote unfolded amid logistical and legal disputes. Flooding forced Florida officials to move 18 polling places, while the Justice Department deployed about 1,000 election observers nationwide—more than in previous midterms.¹ A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from sharing voter lists identifying suspected noncitizens, ruling that the move likely violated privacy laws and exceeded its authority. The Supreme Court separately rejected Trump’s request to segregate ballots in California.

As the first results were expected later in the evening, the central question remained whether Trump’s campaign visibility and Republican enthusiasm could overcome Democratic momentum and the administration’s contested election measures.