2026 US Midterm Elections: Key Shifts
Democrats aim to flip Congress as Trump faces record spending and low approval.
In brief
Democrats aim to flip Congress as Trump faces record spending and low approval. Democrats seek majority control of Congress after Trump's approval drops to 32% amid record $3.8bn ad spending. Originally reported by Dawn.
Early voting underway
Early voting has been underway for weeks ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.
Record spending
As of October 12, a record $3.8 billion had been spent on political advertisements that have been aired so far.
Elon Musk's investment
Elon Musk alone has spent about $366m to support Republicans, according to campaign finance records.
Control of Congress at stake
Democrats must win a net gain of four seats to win control of the House of Representatives.
Senate race dynamics
Democrats must net four additional seats to get control of the Senate.
Midterms impact on presidency
Midterm elections generally are dangerous territory for the political party that holds the White House.
Trump's approval rating
Approval of Trump’s performance is at an all-time low of 32 per cent, according to a September Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Latino voter shift
Latino voters who veered to Trump in 2024 might be returning to Democrats due to economic frustration.
Recent midterm history
In the 2010 midterms, Republicans won 63 additional House seats amid an underperforming economy.
Speaker of the House
If Democrats win the House, Hakeem Jeffries would become the first Black American speaker.
Marquee races
Mike Lawler's bid for reelection in a New York district won by Kamala Harris in 2024 is a key House race.
State legislative control
Currently, Republicans control 55pc of state legislative seats across the country.
Speaker priorities
A Democratic speaker would focus on making healthcare, groceries, housing, energy costs more affordable.
Republican speaker priorities
A Republican speaker would prioritize tax cuts, defense spending, and social safety net reductions.
2026 election stakes
Midterm results could trigger White House course corrections or hint at next presidential campaign messaging.
What happens next
Democrats aim to win majority control of Congress as Trump faces record spending and low approval.
What it means
Democrats seek majority control of Congress after Trump's approval drops to 32% amid record $3.8bn ad spending.
