The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated October 27, 2026. Election rules, candidate fields, and poll numbers change; confirm the latest details with the linked official source before you vote.
What are midterm elections?
A midterm is a regular federal election held in the middle of a presidential term. The name describes timing, not a special procedure. The 2026 midterms are the first national elections since 2024 and the last before the 2028 presidential race.
How it works
The federal government turns over on different schedules.
| Office | Term | Seats on the 2026 ballot |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. House | 2 years | All 435 |
| U.S. Senate | 6 years | 35, including special elections in Florida and Ohio |
| Governor | 4 years in most states | 36 |
| State legislatures | Varies | Thousands of seats |
House members run every two years, so the whole chamber is always on the ballot. Senators serve six years, and seats are divided into three classes so roughly one third comes up each cycle. In 2026 the seats are mostly Class II, plus the two special elections.
Governors usually serve four years, but New Hampshire and Vermont elect every two. State legislative seats vary by state, and your ballot may also include judges, county officials, school boards, and ballot measures.
Who votes
Anyone who meets their state's rules can vote, including people who skipped 2024. Voters must generally be U.S. citizens, at least 18 by Election Day, and registered.
Deadlines have passed in several states, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio; some states allow same-day registration. More than 11 million ballots had been cast by October 20, 2026, according to the University of Florida Election Lab.
Turnout is usually lower in midterms than in presidential years. That does not make the results less consequential. It means the people who vote have proportionally more influence.
Why it matters in 2026
Republicans hold the House 218–214, with one independent caucusing with them and two vacancies, and the Senate 53–47. Small shifts decide who sets the agenda.
Thirty-six states elect a governor in 2026. Governors influence budgets, abortion policy, education, and election administration, and they will be in office for the 2028 presidential race.
Common misconceptions
"Midterms matter less than presidential elections." They decide control of Congress, which writes laws, approves spending, and oversees the president.
"All Senate seats are up." Only about a third are. The Senate is designed as a continuing body.
"The president is on the ballot." No. The election is often treated as a referendum on the administration, but the president's name is not there.
"Results are final on election night." Counts are unofficial until canvassed and certified. Mail ballots and recounts can take days.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 midterm elections?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early and mail voting are already underway in many states, so the practical deadline is earlier for many voters.
What is on the ballot in 2026?
All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, 36 governorships, thousands of state legislative seats, and whatever local offices and measures apply where you live.
Why are they called midterms?
Because they fall at the midpoint of the president's four-year term. The term refers to the federal elections held that year, not a separate kind of election.
Can I vote if I didn't vote in 2024?
Yes, if you are registered and eligible. Not voting once does not usually remove you from the rolls, but some states remove inactive voters after a period. Check at Vote.gov.
Where can I find my state's rules?
Our voting guide links to every state guide we publish, and Vote.gov covers all 50 states. The House and Senate hubs track the races.
Sources
- 270toWin: 2026 Senate elections. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- 270toWin: 2026 House elections. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- 270toWin: 2026 governor elections. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Vote.gov. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Last updated October 27, 2026.