US Midterm Elections 2026: Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance as Polls Close

Voters cast their ballots in the US midterm elections in Detroit, Michigan, on November 3, 2026, as depicted in an image by Sarah Yenesel/EPA. Following a full day of voting, the initial polls are beginning to close in the critical US midterm elections, with the control of the US Congress at stake. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for election.

Democrats, who have centered their campaigns on addressing the nation's escalating cost of living and ending the US-Israel war on Iran, are aiming for a return to power in the US House. The party also expresses optimism about potentially regaining control of the US Senate from Republicans once all votes are tallied.

Early indications of the midterms' impact on each party may emerge from Kentucky’s highly competitive sixth congressional district, where polls closed at 6 p.m. ET (23:00 GMT). In this conservative district, which encompasses Lexington, the state's second-largest city, Democrats have made a significant investment in the campaign of US Navy veteran Zach Dembo. He is running against Ralph Alvarado, a physician and former state lawmaker endorsed by Trump.

A Republican hold on this seat could offer insights into the party's potential performance in other races nationwide. Results from all of Tuesday's contests will continue to be reported throughout the evening. However, some outcomes may not be determined until Wednesday or later, as additional states conclude their voting and officials commence the release of vote counts. Al Jazeera is providing live results coverage.