Voters Decide Control of Congress in 2026 Midterms as Polls Open Across U.S.

Voters across the United States cast ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, in midterm elections that will decide control of Congress, with all 435 House seats, 35 Senate races and governor contests in 39 states on the ballot. Ballot measures include California's proposed billionaire tax. Republicans hold a 218-214 House majority that nearly all pollsters and forecasters expect them to lose. The first polls close in most of Indiana and Kentucky, where competitive House races are in Indiana's 5th and Kentucky's 6th districts. Six states, including Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia, close together later and typically count most votes on election night. In Texas, Republicans redrew congressional districts after President Trump's gains with Latino voters, but a Pew Research Center survey found only 24% of Hispanic voters approve of his job performance, down from 38%. Democrat Bobby Pulido, a Latin Grammy-winning singer, is running in Texas' 15th District. CBS News TV coverage starts at 7 p.m. ET.

The Daily Wire, on the right, leads with a list of 12 House races and the Republicans' slim majority. It focuses on Texas redistricting, Hispanic voters' frustration over prices and immigration enforcement, the Pew numbers and Pulido. It does not discuss broadcast logistics. On the left, NPR groups House races into four types to show how the night may unfold, while CBS News presents a viewing guide. CBS stresses that Congress and Trump's agenda are at stake, lists anchors and correspondents, and mentions the billionaire tax and analysts from both parties. Both sides treat House control as central. They differ in that the right highlights Republican risks and polling, while the left emphasizes race categories and coverage plans. The Hindu offers a distinct hour-by-hour poll-closing guide with 2024 vote-counting benchmarks.