Four types of House races to watch on election night to know how it might go
As polls close on Election Day and results start rolling in, these are some of the House races that will help explain how the midterms are unfolding.
The United States is holding midterm elections in 2026, with votes being cast for senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state governors. Most seats are predicted to be won by one party, making a few competitive battlegrounds crucial in determining overall control of Congress. The Democrats must win at least four of seven closely contested Senate races, alongside other races they are expected to win, to secure a majority.
The Republicans, favored in 195 Senate seats, would need to win all 18 tossup races and flip five Democratic-leaning seats to take control. Currently, Democrats hold 212 House seats, needing 218 to gain control. Thirty-three of the 100 Senate seats are up for election this year, along with two special elections. Republicans, already having a majority, face a race to defend their position.
Gubernatorial contests are taking place in 36 states and three territories. Both parties have 18 governors each before the election, with three incumbents retiring. The House represents districts of roughly equal size and holds elections every two years, with the Speaker of the House elected by the representatives. The Senate has 100 members serving six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.
Each state has two senators, regardless of population size. The election processes vary across states, with some using ranked-choice voting and others requiring a majority vote. In some states, same-party candidates compete in the same primary, leading to a "jungle" primary where the top two vote-getters advance, regardless of party.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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