Midterm Elections 2025: Voters Decide Congress Control in Referendum on Trump Presidency

NY Times World · 2026-11-03
Midterm Elections 2025: Voters Decide Congress Control in Referendum on Trump Presidency

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls today to determine which party will control the U.S. Congress, in a midterm election widely viewed as a referendum on President Trump's first two years in office. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are up for grabs, with Democrats hoping to flip at least 23 House seats to gain a majority, while Republicans aim to expand their Senate edge. Key battlegrounds include suburban districts in Pennsylvania, California, and Texas, where voter turnout is expected to be unusually high for a non-presidential year. Political analysts note that the outcome will shape Trump's legislative agenda for the remainder of his term, including potential infrastructure and healthcare initiatives. Early exit polls suggest the economy and immigration are top issues for voters, with healthcare close behind. If Democrats take the House, they could launch investigations into the administration and block major legislation, while a Republican sweep would likely embolden the White House to pursue more aggressive policy changes. The results are expected to start rolling in after 7 p.m. Eastern, with several close races likely to remain undecided for days. Ultimately, this election is not just about party control—it is a verdict on the current direction of the country.