Explainer: Everything you need to know about the US Midterm Elections

Polls have opened and voting is underway across the US.

You’ve heard about them and their importance, but what does it all really mean?

Here is everything you need to know about the US Midterm Elections:

What are the midterm elections?

Elections take place every two years, and as hinted at in the name, they are called midterms when they fall in the middle of a presidency.

While they do not involve the President, their importance is not to be misjudged.

The elections take place in order for voters to choose members of Congress, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The midterms will elect all 435 members of the House, and they will serve fixed terms of two years. 

Also up for grabs is 35 of 100 Senate seats, with Senators serving six-year terms.

Congress is tasked with creating and passing federal laws that apply across the country, and therefore, it can affect the President’s ability to carry out his plans.

Today’s vote outcome will decide whether Trump's Republicans or opposition Democrats control Congress.

Additionally, midterm results can oftentimes be read as a grading of the president’s performance so far; a measure of the public's faith in The White House.

To control congress, a party must take up the majority of seats, which is 218.

Ahead of today’s election, Republicans are in that position, holding 219 seats over the Democrats 214.

Today will see voters in many US states also deciding on state-level politicians, with Governor votes in California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan set to be watched most closely.

What are the main issues at stake?

Economy, economy, economy. It was one of the key aspects of the 2024 presidential race, and it remains on the minds of many voters today who are still struggling with a cost of living crisis, particularly on items such as fuel, groceries, housing and healthcare.

For example, as of September 2026 a dozen eggs cost $2.27 compared to $1.40, a 62% increase.

Rent is a similar tale, with the Zillow Observed Rent Index showing that as of June 2026, US typical rent stands $1,965 per month, 44% above the level in January 2019 ($1,362).

The inflation level targeted by the US Federal Reserve has yet to be reached, with the war that the US and Israel started with Iran in February cited as the main reason for this.

Additionally, Democrats have argued that President Trump's trade tariffs have also resulted in further inflated pricing for Americans.

Another spotlight issue is Immigration, an area which Republicans say Trump has delivered on.

Senior politicians from both parties have also agreed on the need for laws around technology and AI; an opposing opinion of the President who rejected the idea of regulation. 

What is expected to happen and what has happened before?

President Trump’s approval rating has seemed to hit an all time low, according to Silver Bulletin.

Trump had an approval rating of just over 50% when he began his second term as President, but it now sits at around 38% while 59% disapprove of him.

In saying this, not all seats in each chamber are competitive, and many are pretty locked in for either party.

As per reports from the Cook Political Report, it seems as though it will come down to a limited number of “toss-up” districts that could be won by either party, including California, North Carolina and Michigan for House, and Alaska, Kansas, and Texas among the 6 toss-up spots for Senate.

Generally speaking, media outlets are reporting that it will be a good night for Democrats.

Recent midterm history shows how shocking and influential these elections can be.

For example, during Barack Obama’s presidency, the 2010 midterms took place as the economy weakened and support for Obama’s healthcare reform dwindled. Democrats lost their majority as Republicans won 63 additional House seats, with Obama describing their win as “shellacking”.

Moreover, looking back at a midterm vote 20 years ago, surrounding factors are starkly similar.

In 2006 republican President George W Bush was losing popularity responsible for starting war in the Middle East, when Democrats won congressional control.

What does it mean for Trump?

A Democrat win would make life harder for President Trump, as all laws would need to be approved by Congress.

However, in the case of  Democrat win, Trump has said he would become “Mr Veto”.

Speaking on the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast, he said: "They'll be sending stuff up. You veto it. And eventually, after a month or two of getting all vetoed, they're just wasting time, they come over, and you make a deal. 

“I think that probably would happen, but hopefully we don't have to worry about that."

Moreover, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said people must be “prepared for the possibility that this result could be disputed.”

During an appearance on The Claire Byrne Show, Varadkar commented: "There are concerns that President Trump might try to dispute the election, and might launch court cases in certain states where there's a dispute [or] might allege there was voter fraud.

"So we'll remember what happened when he lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, and there was the march on Congress, and it could be argued that he's less sound in his mind than he was back then.”

Polls are open and voting is well underway with results are expected to start coming in this evening.