A canva depicting voters with ballots created by (Rheya Bushan / The Puma Prensa)
Rheya Bushan, Opinion editor
Millions of Americans are heading to the polls today as the 2026 midterm elections begin, setting up a major political test for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. With control of Congress at stake, the results could determine how much of Trump’s agenda moves forward during the remaining two years of his presidency.
Trump has made the midterms a central focus of his recent campaign appearances, urging Republican supporters to turn out in large numbers. During a Monday night appearance, he told viewers, “If our people vote, we win in a landslide” (Fox News). He also encouraged voters to treat the election as though he were personally on the ballot, arguing that a Republican defeat could put his legislative accomplishments at risk
In his final scheduled remarks before Election Day, Trump highlighted economic growth and his administration’s accomplishments while criticizing Democrats. However, economic concerns, rising prices, immigration enforcement and dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the conflict involving Iran have become significant issues in the campaign. These concerns are placing additional attention on Republican candidates defending competitive seats.
The stakes are particularly high in the Senate, where closely watched contests in Texas, Michigan, Iowa, and North Carolina could influence which party controls the chamber. In Michigan, the Senate race has drawn additional attention after Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed Republican candidate Mike Rogers over her own party's nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. The unexpected endorsement has created further tension among Democrats just as voting begins.
Early participation has also been substantial. More than 57 million Americans had already voted before Election Day, surpassing the approximately 46 million early votes recorded during the 2022 midterms (University of Florida).
Meanwhile, election-related legal disputes have continued into the final hours of the campaign. The Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to set aside approximately 20,000 California ballots, adding another development to the election’s ongoing legal battles.
All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are being contested, alongside 36 gubernatorial races. Republicans currently hold narrow congressional majorities, making the outcome of competitive races especially consequential.
As polls open across the country, candidates are making their final appeals to voters. Preliminary results are expected after polls close, but the balance of power may remain uncertain as officials continue counting ballots.
Today’s vote will determine more than congressional seats: it will establish the political landscape for the remainder of Trump’s second term.