What Are the US Midterms

US midterm elections occur halfway through a president’s four-year term and determine control of Congress, which makes federal laws and can either advance or obstruct the president’s agenda. In this election, voters choose all 435 members of the House of Representatives, who serve two-year terms, and 35 of the Senate’s 100 members, who serve six-year terms. Many states also hold elections for governors and other officials. The central issues include the cost of essentials such as fuel, food, housing and healthcare; immigration enforcement; and whether artificial intelligence should be regulated. Republicans credit Donald Trump with tightening border controls, while Democrats say his tariffs have contributed to higher prices. Politicians from both parties support AI regulation, putting them at odds with Trump’s opposition to new laws.

Republicans currently hold both chambers, but narrowly in the House, while Democrats need 51 Senate seats to take control. Historically, voters often penalize the president’s party in midterms, and Trump’s approval rating has fallen from just above 50% at the start of his second term to about 37% in early October. Still, only a limited number of races are considered toss-ups, and competing efforts by both parties to redraw House districts add uncertainty. A Democratic majority in either chamber could block legislation and launch investigations into the administration, while Republican control would let Trump pursue his plans more freely. Though Trump is not on the ballot and cannot seek a third term, results will be read as a verdict on his leadership and an early signal about the 2028 presidential contest.