In brief

• Americans vote on November 3 for all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships.
• Republicans hold a razor-thin majority in both chambers, and Democrats are widely expected to gain ground.
• Early voting has been heavy, with nearly 60 million votes reportedly cast ahead of election day.
• Voters are frustrated by higher prices linked to tariffs and the war with Iran.

Election day and what is at stake

Voters are choosing all 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats, and governors in 36 states. Republicans hold a razor-thin majority in both chambers, which has let President Donald Trump push through much of his agenda (US-Kongresswahlen - Die Zwischen-Wahlen laufen - Demokraten hoffen auf Sieg über Trumps Republikaner bei Midterms – Deutschlandfunk). A Democratic win in either chamber would allow the opposition to block spending and launch investigations, while Trump could veto Democratic bills (US-Kongresswahlen - Demokraten hoffen auf Sieg über Trumps Republikaner bei Midterms – Deutschlandfunk).

Early voting has already been heavy.

Why voters are turning away

Higher prices linked to Trump's tariffs and the war with Iran have weighed on households (Zwischenwahlen in den USA: Bleibt das Land regierbar? – tagesschau.de). Earlier this year the White House pointed to lower prices for eggs, dairy and fuel as proof of success, but many voters say everyday costs have since risen again. Polls show some people who backed Trump in 2024 have distanced themselves from him.

What analysts expect

Analysts expect Democrats to gain, particularly in the House (Was das Rennen bei den Midterms entscheiden könnte – tagesschau.de). The Senate picture is less clear and is likely to hinge on a handful of closely contested states. Trump has himself suggested that the president usually loses ground in midterms, a sign his camp is preparing for setbacks.

Special ballot measures

California voters are deciding on a tax on high earners, while voters in Idaho and three other states are deciding abortion rules. First results are expected overnight into Wednesday, but a close race could take several days to settle.

Read also

• US midterms test whether Democrats can check Trump's final two years in office
• US midterm elections on November 3: Democrats seek control of Congress as Trump signals possible veto fight
• Trump Fears Democratic Wave as US Midterm Voting Gets Underway