The 2026 US midterm elections opened Tuesday with Democrats seeking to wrest control of Congress from Republicans and establish the first major legislative check on President Donald Trump’s second term.
Around 1,000 election monitors have been deployed across all 50 states for the first time, according to the election report, as voters head to the polls in a contest widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency.
Democrats are seeking to capitalise on growing public frustration over rising living costs and the ongoing conflict with Iran. A victory in the House of Representatives would allow the party to block Trump’s legislative proposals and launch investigations into his administration.
All 435 seats in the House and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are being contested, alongside governorships in 36 states.
Democrats need to gain at least three House seats and secure a net gain of four Senate seats to take control of both chambers, according to the figures cited in the report.
US Midterms 2026: Voters Begin Casting Ballots in Maryland
Voters began arriving at polling stations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as voting commenced on Tuesday, local time.
Several voters expressed hopes for political change and raised concerns about rising taxes and the country’s future.
Speaking to ANI, Maryland voter Heather Mullican said she was excited about the election and hoped it would bring significant changes to the country.
An early voter was also seen giving a thumbs-up after leaving a polling station, reflecting the early activity as Americans began casting ballots in the closely watched contest.
Why the 2026 Midterms Matter for Trump
The election could determine whether Trump retains Republican control of Congress during the remainder of his second term.
A Democratic takeover of the House would give the opposition party the power to block legislation and initiate congressional investigations into the administration.
The Senate contest is also critical. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber, potentially reshaping the balance of power in Washington.
The election is unfolding amid voter concerns over the cost of living and the conflict with Iran, issues that have become central to the political debate.