Article written by Matty Reiss, March 9th

Midterms 2026 are Underway

Every two years, the United States holds midterm elections that can significantly reshape the political landscape in Washington.  Unlike presidential elections, midterms determine control of Congress and often serve as a referendum on the sitting president’s administration. As the country enters another midterm cycle, candidates from both major parties are launching campaigns, voters are becoming more engaged, and political tensions are rising across the nation. With control of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate potentially at stake, the early stages of the midterms reveal key trends that could shape the balance of power in American government.

Control of Congress Is the Central Battle

The most immediate impact of the midterm elections is the fight for control of Congress. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, along with roughly one-third of the seats in the U.S. Senate. Because legislation must pass through both chambers, even a small shift in seats can drastically change the direction of federal policy. Historically, the party that does not hold the presidency often performs well in midterm elections. This trend has been seen repeatedly in modern American politics, where voters sometimes use midterms to express dissatisfaction with the administration in power. If the opposition party gains seats, it can block legislation, launch investigations, and shape the national policy agenda for the remainder of the presidential term. This makes early campaigning especially intense. Political parties are investing heavily in swing districts and competitive Senate races that could determine which party controls Congress. These battleground states and districts are already seeing increased advertising, campaign visits, and voter outreach efforts.

Key Issues Are Driving Voter Engagement

Another major factor shaping the midterm elections is the set of issues dominating political debate. Economic concerns such as inflation, job growth, and government spending are central topics in many campaigns. Voters are also focused on issues like immigration, national security, healthcare costs, and the future of social programs. Foreign policy and geopolitical tensions have also entered the political conversation, especially as lawmakers debate defense spending and international alliances. As a result, many candidates are framing their campaigns around how the United States should position itself globally while addressing domestic economic challenges. These debates are happening not only in traditional campaign rallies but also across social media platforms, where political messaging spreads rapidly. The digital landscape has become one of the most important arenas for modern political campaigns, allowing candidates to reach younger voters and mobilize supporters more quickly than ever before.

Rising Political Polarization and Voter Turnout

A third defining characteristic of the current midterm cycle is the level of political polarization in the United States. The divide between Democrats and Republicans has grown sharper in recent years, and many races are being framed as high-stakes contests that will determine the future direction of the country. This polarization has had a noticeable effect on voter turnout. Midterm elections historically see lower participation than presidential elections, but recent cycles have seen turnout increase as voters become more politically engaged. Grassroots organizations, advocacy groups, and party activists are working to mobilize supporters and ensure that their voters show up on Election Day. High turnout could significantly influence the outcome of close races, particularly in competitive states where only a small number of votes can determine the winner. As a result, both parties are focusing heavily on voter registration drives, early voting campaigns, and outreach efforts to ensure their supporters participate.

As the U.S. midterm elections begin, the stakes are high for both political parties. Control of Congress, debates over major national issues, and increasing political polarization are shaping the early stages of the campaign season. While the final results remain months away, the groundwork being laid now, through fundraising, campaigning, and voter engagement will play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Washington. The coming months will likely bring intense political competition as candidates and voters alike prepare for one of the most consequential moments in the American electoral cycle.

Citations

“Midterm Elections.” U.S. Senate, United States Senate, www.senate.gov/about/elections-and-voting/midterm-elections.htm. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

“Election and Voting Information.” U.S. House of Representatives, Clerk of the House, clerk.house.gov/elections-and-voting. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Pew Research Center. “Voter Turnout in U.S. Midterm Elections.” Pew Research Center, www.pewresearch.org/politics. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Desilver, Drew. “Turnout in U.S. Midterm Elections.” Pew Research Center, 2024, www.pewresearch.org.

“United States Midterm Elections.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/midterm-election. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

“Federal Elections Overview.” Federal Election Commission, www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/elections-and-voting. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.