Virginia Senate win gives Democrats early momentum in midterms

The first Senate race of the night went to the Democrats in Virginia.

The Associated Press called the seat for the Democratic candidate as polls closed at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. This result is one of four Senate seats Democrats must win to take control of the chamber from Republicans. The party also needs to flip three House seats to reclaim the lower chamber.

Voting is proceeding on schedule across the East Coast. Polls in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia closed at 7 p.m. ET, allowing for rapid vote counting. In the 2024 general election, these states reached the halfway point of vote counting during the 8 p.m. hour. By 10:21 p.m. in 2024, Georgia counts were 90% complete. South Carolina reached that mark at 11:14 p.m., and Virginia at 12:07 a.m. The AP declared a winner in a competitive Georgia presidential contest at 12:58 a.m. that year.

Other battlegrounds are closing or have just closed. North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia polls shut at 7:30 p.m. ET. These states also count votes quickly, typically reaching the halfway point around 9 p.m. and 90% completion by 11 p.m. The AP called a competitive Ohio Senate race at 11:27 p.m. in 2024. Florida polls closed at 7 p.m. in most districts, but statewide results wait for the 8 p.m. close in the Central Time Zone.

Key races to watch in the coming hours include Senate contests in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Ohio. Gubernatorial races in Georgia and Ohio are also on the ballot. House races in Florida, Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and North Carolina will provide early indicators of the party's performance.

Voter sentiment is shaped by economic anxiety and dissatisfaction with current leadership. An AP Voter Poll found that about 8 in 10 voters say inflation has caused severe or moderate financial hardship. Roughly three-quarters of voters feel angry or dissatisfied with the country's direction. Only about one-quarter feel satisfied or enthusiastic. The economy is the top issue for about 4 in 10 voters, followed by the state of democracy for about 3 in 10.

Immigration enforcement is a major factor for voters. About 6 in 10 voters believe the Trump administration's actions have gone too far. Roughly 7 in 10 said immigration enforcement was a crucial or major factor in their vote. The AP poll also showed that about 6 in 10 voters say the U.S. made the wrong decision in taking military action against Iran. The cost of that conflict has risen to more than $47.1 billion, according to a recent Pentagon estimate.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries rallied volunteers in Washington on Tuesday. He stated that Democrats are on the brink of taking back control of the House. Jeffries said the party is committed to delivering a Congress that puts the American people first. He urged volunteers to win the election, noting that Democrats work for all the American people.

In Arizona, flooding on the Navajo Nation stranded voters in Rock Point. Tribal vice president Valinda Shirley said the parking lot at the chapter house was underwater. Officials moved the polling place to an administration building across the street, but many residents remained unable to reach the polls. Shirley said she was receiving messages from residents asking how to get to the polls to vote in the midterms and tribal races.