Midterm Results Begin: 59 Million Have Voted, House Control Hinges On Turnout

Voters in Kentucky and Indiana began casting ballots at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2026, marking the start of vote counting for the midterm elections. More than 59 million people had already submitted their ballots before the polls closed across the country. This figure represents nearly half of the total ballots cast in the previous midterm cycle.

The race for control of the U.S. House of Representatives favors the Democratic Party. Available data from early voting shows Democrats holding a double-digit advantage. They need to flip only three seats to seize the chamber. Although the Republican Party attempted to secure its position through mid-decade redistricting, analysts say these changes will likely not be enough to retain control.

The Senate race remains uncertain. Democrats must flip four seats to gain a majority. This scenario was considered unlikely earlier in the cycle, but strong Democratic recruitment and a challenging national environment for Republicans have made it possible. The election is taking place on Republican home turf. Apart from Maine, the five undecided races held by Republicans are in states that Donald Trump won by double digits in 2024.

North Carolina is the primary target for a Democratic pickup. Beyond that state, the remaining races are either toss-ups or slight Republican favorites. The final outcome depends heavily on Republican turnout. If Republican voters show up in high numbers, Democrats may limit their gains to one seat. If Republican turnout is low, Democrats could win up to six or seven seats, securing Senate control.

President Donald Trump campaigned in several red states ahead of Election Day to mobilize his base. Michigan is a key battleground for Republicans. Winning that state would alter the mathematical possibilities for Democratic control. The high number of variables means results will not be immediate.

In many districts, the winner will not be known on election night. States are expected to count ballots over days or potentially weeks. Officials have urged patience as they process close races. Live coverage of the results began at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.