By — Jill Colvin, Associated Press Jill Colvin, Associated Press By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press By — Will Weissert, Associated Press Will Weissert, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/midterm-elections-come-to-a-close-in-referendum-on-trumps-presidency Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Midterm elections come to a close in referendum on Trump's presidency Politics Nov 3, 2026 9:20 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Voters struggling with high prices and angry over an unpopular war with Iran will decide Tuesday whether to drastically shift power in Washington in midterm elections that will serve as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term. Democrats were cautiously optimistic as they watched Republicans spend the campaign's final stretch pumping tens of millions of dollars into states and districts that Trump won handily two years ago. They're betting that discontent over Trump's failure to deliver on his promise to tackle rising costs and perceptions that he has focused more on gilding the nation's capital than their pain at the pump will depress Republican turnout and drive…
Midterm elections come to a close in referendum on Trump's presidency
In short
The congressional balance hinges on exceptionally narrow margins, with Democrats requiring a net pickup of three House seats and four Senate seats to take control. Both parties have poured massive resources into competitive races after more than 57 million citizens cast early ballots. A divided government would enable opposition lawmakers to pursue investigations against prominent figures, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former adviser Elon Musk. Meanwhile, tensions surround the voting process as administration lawsuits and Justice Department warnings fuel scrutiny over possible interference.
Key points
- Flipping either legislative chamber would grant Democrats authority to launch investigati…: Flipping either legislative chamber would grant Democrats authority to launch investigations and consider impeachments against cabinet members and former advisers.
- Public frustration with rising consumer costs and an ongoing military conflict in Iran ha…: Public frustration with rising consumer costs and an ongoing military conflict in Iran has weakened the governing party's electoral footing.
- Lawsuits filed in Alaska and California alongside federal warnings to local election admi…: Lawsuits filed in Alaska and California alongside federal warnings to local election administrators have raised concerns over possible voting interference.