Americans vote in midterms set to upend Trump presidency

On Tuesday, American voters participated in crucial midterm elections, with Democrats aiming to seize control of Congress and place the first significant limits on President Donald Trump's second term in the White House. Polls suggest Democrats will likely gain control of the House of Representatives and have a chance to win the Senate due to voter discontent over an unpopular president, high energy prices, and the ongoing conflict with Iran.

If Republicans lose the House, Democrats would have the power to obstruct Trump's legislative agenda and conduct extensive investigations into his administration. A Senate loss would also jeopardize his capacity to appoint Supreme Court justices and senior officials.

Voters went to polling stations, including at St Patrick's Church in Youngstown, Ohio, on November 3, 2026. The election serves as a national verdict on Trump, with the public mood turning against Republicans due to increased living costs and the war on Iran. All 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for grabs, along with gubernatorial races in 36 states.

Democrats require only three House seat gains and a net four in the Senate to take both chambers from Republicans. Despite promising to lower prices, Trump's approval rating has remained around the low 30s.

Retired teacher Jane Callum, 77, from Atlanta, Georgia, was among Democrats canvassing for Senator Jon Ossoff, who portrayed the race as a decisive moment for the country's future. "I feel an obligation to do everything I can to change the direction our country is going in now and put it more on the path to democracy and away from autocracy," she told AFP.

Republicans argue that Trump's tax cuts and immigration crackdown will benefit Americans, portraying Democratic candidates as left-wing radicals. However, Trump largely avoided discussing the economy during his final public campaign appearance on Monday, instead focusing on the renovation of Washington's Reflecting Pool.

Democratic Senate candidate Chris Pappas expressed the race as "the most important midterm in our lifetime" before returning to renovation discussions. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer labeled Trump's closing remarks "pathetic." While Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, the contest extends to conservative states like Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Alaska.

Democrats must also defend competitive seats, including Michigan, where a political dispute led Congresswoman Haley Stevens to back Republican Mike Rogers over the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Decision Desk HQ projected 241 House seats for Democrats versus 194 for Republicans, and a more modest 52-48 Democratic Senate majority.