Power out in DC just before voting: What happened?

On Monday, Washington DC experienced a power outage shortly before the US midterm elections, which were scheduled for Tuesday. Smoke was reported emanating from several manholes in the Foggy Bottom area, affecting over 1,100 customers. The incident occurred due to a power outage at a substation. Both the George Washington University and other government buildings were impacted by the outage.

The Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) is currently investigating the cause of the power cut, while fire and emergency services responded to the smoke coming from the manholes.

As of 10:15am Monday, approximately 1,176 customers in the area of 23rd Street NW and I Street NW were without power, according to Pepco's outage map. Pepco assured that they would restore power by 11am, stating that they were taking steps to do so safely. Fire and EMS personnel from the District of Columbia attended to the situation at the 1800 block of H Street NW, working alongside Pepco crews.

The US midterm elections 2026 are a crucial event, as all 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be decided, along with 33 regular and 2 extra Senate seats. The midterm elections will also see voters electing governors in 36 states. Currently, Republicans hold control of both houses of Congress, but Democrats are aiming to gain seats in order to take control of the House and Senate.

Key races in the Senate include Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Ohio, and Texas, all of which are currently held by Republicans, as well as the seat in Michigan, which is held by Democrats. These races are considered pivotal for the outcome of the elections.