US Midterm Elections 2026 Explained: How They Work and Why They Matter
The 2026 US Midterm Elections will take place on November 3, giving Americans an opportunity to reshape the balance of political power in Washington. All 435 voting seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats will be contested, alongside 36 gubernatorial elections. But what exactly are midterm elections, how do they work, and why can their results significantly influence the President’s ability to govern? This explainer breaks down the American electoral system, the role of Congress and the wider significance of the elections.