Politics

U.S. Midterm Elections Set to Decide Congressional Control Ahead of 2028

By The Hindu Bureau

Every four years, halfway through a president’s term, the United States holds a nationwide poll known as the midterm elections. While the president is not on the ballot, the results act as a referendum on the administration’s leadership and agenda. The entire legislative branch is at stake: all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, which serve two‑year terms, and 35 of the 100 Senate seats, which serve six‑year terms (33 regular and two special elections in Florida and Ohio). State gubernatorial races also take place, determining chief executives in many states.

The U.S. Congress is divided into the House and the Senate. The House has 435 members, all elected every two years. The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, with about one third of the seats up for election each cycle. In addition to federal races, voters choose governors, state lawmakers, and local officials.

Control of Capitol Hill matters because the U.S. government operates on a system of checks and balances. When the president’s party controls both chambers, passing legislation and funding executive projects is easier. A divided government can hinder the president’s agenda.

In the upcoming November 3, 2026 midterms, Republicans defend a narrow House majority (218–214 with two vacancies and one independent caucusing with them) and a Senate majority (53–47). Democrats need only a few seats to retake the House and are also seeking Senate control.

Key races include gubernatorial contests in states such as California, Texas, and Florida, whose winners will be in office during the 2028 presidential election.

The outcome of these elections will affect U.S. foreign policy, trade, and defense spending, impacting partners like India. Current U.S. policy issues, including tariffs on Russian energy and immigration rules, could shift with a change in congressional leadership.

More than 100 million voters are expected to cast ballots, either early in person or by mail. Final results may take several days due to varying state counting rules. A September Reuters/Ipsos poll shows President Trump’s approval at an all‑time low of 32%. Rising consumer prices may weaken Republican support, while a Reuters report suggests Democrats are more enthusiastic about voting, hinting at a possible Democratic victory if early voting trends continue.

Published – October 31, 2026 07:09 am IST