Vote counting began in the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday evening as the first polling places closed, with attention focused on closely contested races determining whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats manage to win a majority in one or both chambers.
Polling places across the country are closing in stages across six time zones, with preliminary results expected to begin emerging shortly afterward. Attention is turning to the Senate elections, with much of the focus on seven states where races are particularly competitive.
Winners have already been called on a few races. But because of differences in time zones, the slow pace of vote counting and close contests in several states, it may not be clear which party will control either chamber of Congress until Wednesday morning, or even longer.
About 60 million people nationwide already cast their ballots before Election Day.
The elections come halfway through the second presidential term of Republican President Donald Trump and serve as a test of Americans’ satisfaction with his administration, particularly on the economy, the rising cost of living, health care, immigration and the war with Iran.
The elections will determine the outcome of 35 seats in the 100-member Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives.
Democrats need to win four additional seats in each chamber — the House and the Senate — to wrest control from Republicans.
If Democrats regain control of the House or Senate, Trump could face greater difficulty advancing his agenda during the second half of his term. His opponents could also gain broader powers to scrutinize his administration and investigate its policies, although he would retain his presidential powers and veto authority.
The Senate, in addition to its legislative role, has extra constitutional powers, including confirming the president’s nominations of senior officials and federal judges and approving international treaties by a two-thirds vote of senators present.
Midterm election results are an important political indicator of voter sentiment and influence both parties’ calculations and strategies ahead of the 2028 presidential election. They are also likely to shape the debate within the Democratic Party over what kind of candidate and political message could attract voters.
In addition to electing members of Congress, voters in 36 states are choosing their governors. Tuesday’s elections also bring decisions on state legislatures and other state and local officials, alongside votes on some local initiatives and referendums.
The significance of these elections extends beyond the federal level. Results in gubernatorial races and state legislative contests help determine local policy priorities, from taxes and public spending to education, healthcare and immigration. They also shape governors’ authority to implement laws and manage state government institutions.
Adapted and translated from the original Arabic.
