Midterm Elections on the Horizon: Key Races and Challenges

In two days, Americans will cast their votes in the midterm elections to decide control of the U.S. House and Senate for the next two years. Republicans are defending their slim congressional majorities. President Donald Trump predicts the GOP will retain control. He stated that electing a Republican House and Senate would mean continuing to put America first. Trump warned that if Democrats take control, the country would face negative consequences.

President Donald Trump looks on as Kentucky Republican congressional candidate Ed Gallrein speaks during a midterm rally at Truist Arena on the Northern Kentucky University campus on October 17, 2026, in Highland Heights, Ky. (Eric Lee/Getty Images)

Republicans are up against historical trends, as the party in power typically loses seats in midterms. They also contend with a challenging political environment due to ongoing inflation and an unpopular conflict with Iran. Trump’s approval ratings have also been declining.

This year’s elections also include governorships in 36 states, as well as the territories of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nearly all states are holding legislative elections. Voters will also decide on 145 statewide ballot measures across the country.

Senate

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. According to the final Fox News Power Rankings, the race for Senate control is a toss-up. Both parties are three seats short of a majority. Democrats are favored in 48 seats and Republicans lead in 47. The GOP needs 50 seats to maintain control, with Vice President JD Vance serving as a tie-breaking vote.

If Democrats win most competitive races, they could gain up to 54 seats. If Republicans perform well, they could hold up to 52 seats. The GOP is defending seats in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, South Carolina, and Texas, all rated as toss-ups. They’re also defending competitive races in Kansas and Ohio. Democrats are defending seats in Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.

House of Representatives

The GOP is maintaining a narrow majority in the House, but the Power Rankings suggest Democrats may retake control. A successful election night for Democrats could yield up to 240 seats in the 435-seat chamber. Conversely, Republicans could secure up to 212 seats, complicating governance for a Democratic House Speaker.

“Keep an eye on Kentucky’s 6th district, covering Lexington and central areas,” said Remy Numa, a Fox News contributor. Trump won here by 15 points, but it’s closer this cycle due to changing voter demographics.

Governors

There are currently 26 Republican and 24 Democratic governors. The Power Rankings identify states like Alaska, Nevada, and Georgia, with Republican control, as toss-ups. Wisconsin’s open Democratic governor’s office is also rated as a toss-up.

Races in Florida, Kansas, and Texas are Lean Republican, while Arizona, Michigan, Oregon, Iowa, and Ohio are Lean Democrat.

Ballot Measures

Key ballot measures include voter ID requirements and bans on noncitizen voting in 11 states. Alaska voters decide on repealing ranked choice voting. Virginia considers restoring voting rights for released felons.

California’s Proposition 40 proposes a 5% wealth tax on billionaires to fund healthcare. Washington State considers repealing a millionaires’ tax. States like Maryland and Colorado address redistricting. Arizona, Colorado, and other states tackle issues around transgender sports participation and gender transition policies. Missouri and Idaho face votes on abortion and related healthcare policies.

Poll Closings

On Election Day, polls start closing at 6pm ET and continue until 1am ET. Early returns from Kentucky and Indiana may give initial insights into the election’s outcome.

• 6pm ET: Parts of Kentucky and Indiana close polls.
• 7pm ET: Georgia, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and more close polls.
• 7:30pm ET: North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia close.
• 8pm ET: Several states including Alabama and Pennsylvania close.
• 8:30pm ET: Arkansas close polls.
• 9pm PT: Multiple states including Arizona and Minnesota close.
• 10pm ET: Montana and most of Idaho and Oregon close.
• 11pm ET: California and Washington State close.
• Midnight ET: Hawaii closes.
• 1am ET: Final polls in Alaska close.