As Americans cast their ballots on Tuesday, the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections will determine control of Congress, potentially reshaping President Donald Trump's executive influence and influencing critical domestic and foreign policy decisions.

With Republicans currently holding majorities in both the House and Senate, a shift in power could significantly curb the president's agenda. The elections come amid a backdrop of an unpopular U.S. war with Iran, rising inflation, and record-high fuel prices that have placed a strain on American households.

Thirty-five Senate seats are up for grabs, with competitive races in states like Michigan, Texas, Alaska, Ohio, and Kansas expected to be pivotal. Democrats need to win four additional seats to secure a Senate majority, while Republicans can afford to lose up to three seats and retain control, with Vice President JD Vance casting any tie-breaking vote.

The implications extend beyond congressional control, potentially affecting the administration's ability to pass legislation and execute its policy objectives for the remainder of Trump's term. Key Senate contests in battleground and traditionally Republican states are being closely watched.

President Trump has actively campaigned for Republican candidates across the country, from battleground states like Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina to more reliably Republican states such as Texas, Ohio, and Florida. He has emphasized his support for incumbent Republican senators, including Mississippi's Cindy Hyde-Smith, who faces Democratic District Attorney Scott Colom.

In Michigan, the Senate race features a stark contrast between former GOP representative Mike Rogers and progressive former public health official Abdul El-Sayed. The contest has highlighted divisions over U.S. support for Israel, with El-Sayed facing attacks from pro-Israel groups. A late endorsement of Rogers by El-Sayed's Democratic primary opponent, Haley Stevens, has added another layer of complexity to this already contentious race.

Texas presents another closely watched Senate contest, where State Attorney General Ken Paxton is in a tight race against Democrat James Talarico, a former state representative. The race has seen Paxton engage in culture war rhetoric in his attacks on Talarico, aiming to maintain a Republican hold on a Senate seat that has not gone to a Democrat since 1988.

Beyond the Senate, key House and gubernatorial races across the nation are also unfolding, each with the potential to influence the broader political landscape and the direction of national policy. The final appeals from candidates underscore the high stakes involved for both parties.