Americans Vote in Midterm Elections as Control of Congress Hangs in Balance

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Americans are voting in midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in contests that could change the balance of power in Congress during the second half of President Donald Trump's current term.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats are being contested, according to election coverage from the Associated Press. The election will also determine governorships and a range of state and local offices.

Control of Congress at stake

Republicans are defending their congressional majorities, while Democrats are attempting to gain control of one or both chambers. Campaigns have focused on the cost of living, economic policy, healthcare and the administration's foreign-policy decisions.

Congress controls federal lawmaking, spending and oversight. A change in the majority in either chamber could alter legislative priorities and committee leadership during the next two years.

Counting and results

The Federal Election Commission lists November 3 as the scheduled federal general election date. State and local authorities administer voting and counting under their own laws. Close races may not be resolved on election night; the Associated Press says control of either chamber may take days to establish.

At the time of publication, voting and counting were ongoing and GhanaCurrent is not declaring winners or a final congressional balance. Reported projections should be identified as projections and distinguished from certified results.

The outcome will be watched worldwide because U.S. decisions on trade, aid, diplomacy and security can have implications far beyond American borders, including for Ghana.

Sources: Federal Election Commission: https://www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/election-results-and-voting-information/ ; USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/midterm-elections ; Associated Press election reporting: https://apnews.com/article/9dae62cdd7d776a20a26eab6fbd9b12c