A Simple Guide to the US Midterms

Illustration of the US Capitol with red and blue campaign-style stripes and stars representing the two main political parties.

With just four weeks until the polls on 3 November, voters across the country will choose 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 senators. The results will decide which party will control Congress, shaping the trajectory of President Donald Trump's presidency and the nation’s policy future.

What Are the Midterms?

Midterm elections, held every two years, take place half-way through a president’s four‑year term. They determine who will sit in the two chambers of Congress – the House, where proposed laws are introduced and debated, and the Senate, which approves or blocks legislation passed by the House. The balance of power in these chambers is a bell‑wether for how easy or difficult it will be for the president to get his plans enacted.

Who Is Being Elected?

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will be up for grabs. In addition, voters will choose many state‑level officials, with governor races in states such as California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan among the most closely watched.

Key Issues Facing Voters

The economy remains the top concern, as citizens deal with rising prices for fuel, groceries, housing and health care. Inflation, still above the federal reserve’s target, is compounded by the war in the Middle East. Trade tariffs and immigration policy – especially a hard‑line approach to illegal entry – also dominate the debate. With artificial intelligence growing in importance, both parties agree regulatory oversight is needed, a stance Trump has resisted.

What’s at Stake?

Congress, one of the three branches of government, regulates laws that affect the entire country. The GOP currently holds both chambers, but with a razor‑thin margin: 218 seats in the House and 53 in the Senate. If Democrats gain a majority in either chamber, they could override presidential vetoes, install their own agenda, and launch investigations into the Trump administration.

Who Might Win The Race?

Historically, voters have punished the president’s party in midterms. Trump’s approval rating has fallen from just over 50 % at the start of his term to about 37 % as of early October, while 61 % disapprove. Many seats are safe for one side, but several competitive races—especially in swing states like Iowa and New Hampshire—could tip the balance.

Implications for Trump

Control of Congress is a prerequisite for passing legislation. If Democrats win either chamber, Trump’s domestic agenda would face significant roadblocks and his executive actions could be scrutinized by congressional committees. Whether the GOP keeps control will determine if Trump stays on the power trail or whether his presidency is increasingly paralyzed. A Democratic majority would also fuel debate on whether to impeach the former president.

The 2028 Election Link

Midterms are not on the presidential ballot, yet the results serve as a barometer of public opinion on Trump’s leadership. Whether the GOP retains control will influence speculation about the 2028 nominee, as will the eventual party majority in Congress.