The U.S. midterm elections have been in the news a lot lately. So, let’s start with the basics: what exactly are the midterms, and why do they matter?
Midterm elections take place two years after a presidential election, halfway through the president’s four-year term. Voters elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives and roughly one-third of the Senate. Many states and local governments also hold elections on the same day. USA.gov’s guide to midterm elections
The president is not on the ballot, but the results can have a major effect on how the administration governs. If the president’s party loses seats in Congress, it may become harder to pass legislation and budgets, while the opposing party may gain more power to scrutinize and check the president. If the president’s party keeps its majorities, the administration may have an easier time advancing its agenda.
Midterm elections therefore do more than determine who serves in Congress. They are also widely seen as an opportunity for voters to weigh in on the president’s record. The results can shape policy for the rest of the term and influence how both parties prepare for the next presidential election.
Why the 2026 Midterms Are in the News
The 2026 midterm elections were held on November 3. The Associated Press reported that Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The result is expected to affect how President Trump governs during the remaining two years of his term. Associated Press coverage
