2026 midterm elections: key races to watch

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, alongside 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate.

The elections have largely become a gauge of public sentiment towards Trump’s second term. Democratic candidates are focusing on issues such as the rising cost of living and the economic consequences of the Iran war, attributing these problems to the administration.

Republican candidates are attempting to portray their opponents as overly radical.

The battle for control of the Senate is expected to be closely fought in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. A minimum of 51 Senate seats is required for a simple majority.

Securing a majority in the House requires a party to win 218 seats.

Complete election results are not anticipated immediately after the polls close, particularly given that Alaska’s polls will remain open until 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Election officials will continue to process ballots submitted on Election Day. The possibility of legal challenges and interventions from the Trump administration could further delay the final outcome.

The Independent will use preliminary data from the Associated Press to create visual representations of election results and the evolving political landscape.