US midterm polls close as early counts show Democratic gains in key races

Polls closed across the United States on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, in midterm elections that determine control of the House of Representatives and the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Early counts and exit surveys showed Democratic candidates leading or winning in several races that Republicans had been expected to hold, including a Senate seat in North Carolina.

Democrats picked up the North Carolina Senate seat as projected by multiple outlets. They also held Georgia, where Senator Jon Ossoff defeated Republican Mike Collins, and New Hampshire. Competitive races remained open in Texas, South Carolina, Ohio, and Maine. In the House, Democrats held a narrow edge in early called seats, though the majority of districts were still counting. Full results will take days in some states because of mail ballot processing.

The election functions as a national judgment on Trump’s second term. Public surveys before voting day had shown broad dissatisfaction with living costs and with the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump’s approval stood near 32 percent in some late polls. Republicans entered the day holding a slim House majority and a 53-45 Senate edge. Democrats needed a net gain of four Senate seats for control and 218 House seats for a majority.

Ballot measures in multiple states addressed abortion access, redistricting rules, voter identification requirements, and restrictions on transgender athletes in school sports. More than 145 such questions appeared on ballots nationwide. Early voting had reached record levels in several states, prompting adjustments in exit-poll methodology to capture both early and Election Day voters.

The Department of Justice deployed monitors to certain polling places. A federal judge denied an NAACP request to block those monitors. The Supreme Court rejected a Trump administration effort to set aside roughly 20,000 California mail ballots that the administration claimed may have come from non-citizens. Voting machine issues were reported in isolated locations, including delays in Westchester County, New York, and ballot shortages in parts of Chicago.

Trump addressed the nation through media appearances on Election Day, including the announcement that US aid to Israel would end after 2026. He also commented on the possibility of a deal with Iran. Campaign spending included a reported $474 million from Elon Musk directed toward Republican candidates. Democratic candidates emphasised cost-of-living pressures and the Iran conflict in their closing arguments.

In Pennsylvania, several House races were closely watched because of the state’s high number of competitive districts. Senate contests in Michigan, Kansas, and Alaska remained undecided into the evening. Gubernatorial races were underway in 36 states. Three incumbent governors were not seeking re-election.

Counting continued overnight in states with later poll-closing times. Networks projected Ossoff’s win in Georgia relatively early. North Carolina’s flip was called as expected by pre-election models. South Carolina reported high turnout. Full House control may not be known for several days if margins remain tight in suburban districts.

The outcome will shape the remainder of Trump’s term. A Democratic House would control investigative committees and appropriations. A Democratic Senate would determine confirmation of judicial and executive nominees. Republican retention of both chambers would leave the administration with a freer hand on legislation and oversight. Early trends pointed toward Democratic gains, but incomplete counts leave the final balance open.

Voters in flood-affected areas of the Four Corners region faced additional logistical hurdles. Some polling sites adjusted hours or locations because of weather. Overall turnout appeared strong based on early reports from election officials in multiple states. The final certified results will determine which party organises the 120th Congress.