NewsLos Angeles Times – PoliticsNovember 2, 2026Los Angeles County
Midterm Elections Peak on Tuesday as Control of Congress Hangs in the Balance
Photo: Los Angeles Times – Politics
Voters head to the polls on Tuesday to conclude a contentious midterm election campaign that will determine control of the U.S. House and Senate for the remainder of President Trump's second term. High voter turnout, economic concerns, and voter fatigue with the administration have created potential headwinds for Republicans and opened the possibility of Democratic gains.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times – PoliticsWhy It Matters
The outcome of Tuesday's elections will establish the legislative power dynamic between Congress and the executive branch for the next two years and shape the political landscape heading into the 2028 presidential campaign.
Key Facts
- The midterm elections take place on Tuesday, setting the political course for the remainder of President Trump's second term.
- Control of both the U.S. House and Senate is at stake, with Democrats seeing potential for gains and an unexpected competitiveness in several red-state Senate races.
- Affordability, economic issues, voter fatigue with the administration, and policy areas like the war in Iran, immigration, and tariffs are driving voter movement toward the minority party.
- Early voting has experienced strong turnout, notably among Latino and Black voters.
- Unusual campaign events included the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, the withdrawal of Democrat Graham Platner in Maine, and questions surrounding a spoiler candidate on the Alaska ballot.
- The speed of election results will depend on the margin of victory, with slower-counting states like California and Pennsylvania potentially delaying final outcomes.
- Nonpartisan groups and organizations like the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law are actively supporting voters through hotlines and get-out-the-vote initiatives.
Who's Mentioned
PersonTroy Jackson“Democrat in Maine challenging Sen. Susan Collins.”locationAlaska“State with ballot questions involving a spoiler candidate.”PersonChristopher Warshaw“Georgetown University public policy professor discussing the democratic function”PersonKen Paxton“Republican Attorney General in Texas facing a tough race.”PersonDavid McCuan“Sonoma State University political science professor discussing electorate volati”PersonGraham Platner“Democrat who dropped out of Maine's Senate race.”locationPennsylvania“Slower-counting state with swing races.”PersonLindsey Graham“Late Republican Senator of South Carolina.”OrganizationLawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law“Nonprofit coalition running a voting hotline.”locationTexas“State hosting a competitive race.”PersonMary Peltola“Democrat whose campaign faced questions regarding a spoiler candidate in Alaska.”PersonTodd Belt“Professor of political management at George Washington University.”PersonBrandon Waithe“Air Force veteran organizing get-out-the-vote events through Project HALO.”locationCleveland“Location of a line-dancing get-out-the-vote event.”locationSouth Carolina“State affected by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.”locationMichigan“State watched for Republican performance.”OrganizationProject HALO“Voting initiative organizing get-out-the-vote events.”PersonSusan Collins“Republican Senator from Maine.”PersonThaddeus Kousser“UC San Diego political science professor commenting on Senate competitiveness.”locationMaine“State with a close Senate race.”locationCalifornia“Slower-counting state with swing races.”PersonPresident Trump“President in his second term whose policies and administration are central to th”PersonCharles Franklin“Director of the Marquette Law School Poll discussing tight races.”