Americans are heading to the polls to determine control of a narrowly divided U.S. House and Senate, with Republicans defending slim majorities against historical trends and a challenging political climate. The outcome of these midterm elections will shape legislative agendas for the next two years, with President Trump urging voters to maintain GOP control to “continue to put America first.” Beyond congressional races, 36 states are voting for governors, and most states are holding legislative elections, alongside 145 statewide ballot measures addressing critical issues. The Senate, currently held by Republicans 53-47, is rated a toss-up by Fox News Power Rankings, with Democrats needing to win most competitive races to potentially reach 54 seats, while Republicans could hold onto a majority with up to 52 seats. Key Senate races to watch include toss-ups in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, South Carolina, and Texas, alongside competitive contests in Kansas and Ohio for Republicans, and Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire for Democrats. In the House, where Republicans hold a slim majority, Democrats are favored to retake control, potentially securing up to 240 seats. Early-closing districts, like Kentucky’s 6th, will offer initial indicators of the House’s future direction. Gubernatorial races are also highly contested, with toss-ups in Alaska, Nevada, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and key Lean Republican races in Florida, Kansas, and Texas, while Arizona, Michigan, and Oregon are Lean Democrat contests where Democrats are defending seats. Ballot measures span a wide range of issues, including voter ID laws, noncitizen voting bans, ranked-choice voting in Alaska, restoration of voting rights for felons in Virginia, a wealth tax on billionaires in California, a potential repeal of a millionaire’s tax in Washington State, congressional redistricting in Maryland, Missouri, and Colorado, and debates on transgender participation in sports and gender-affirming care in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington. Deeply divisive issues like abortion rights are also on the ballot, with measures in Missouri, Idaho, Virginia, and Nevada addressing bans and constitutional protections. Energy, transportation, and development policies are up for votes in California, Colorado, and Arizona. Polls begin closing at 6 p.m. ET, with the final results expected around 1 a.m. ET, providing a staggered picture of the night’s outcomes.
Adapted from: Latest Political News on Fox News
