US Midterm Elections Live: Polls Close With Control of Congress at Stake

Voters are deciding all 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats and 36 governorships on Tuesday. More than 59 million Americans had already voted early, NPR reports. The result will shape the last two years of President Donald Trump’s term.

What Is at Stake

Republicans hold a 53–47 Senate majority. Democrats need to flip four seats. Republicans can lose three and keep control, thanks to Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote, ABC News reports.

In the House, Democrats need to flip only three seats, NPR says. A Democratic win in either chamber would end unified Republican rule and open the way to oversight of the administration.

Races to Watch

Democrats are favored to flip North Carolina, NPR says. Toss-up Senate races include Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, CNBC reports.

In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico. In Michigan, Republican Mike Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Governor races in Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin are also closely watched.

Issues Driving Voters

Voters cite the Iran war, inflation and immigration policy, CNBC reports. Regular gasoline averaged $4.12 a gallon on Election Day, GasBuddy’s Patrick De Haan said. That is the highest level ever recorded for an Election Day.

When Results Arrive

Polls begin closing at 6 p.m. ET (23:00 GMT) in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. Alaska closes last, at 1 a.m. ET. Some close races could take days to call, NPR says.

Clash Report’s midterm explainer covers the stakes, odds and result times. Its live tracking center follows the Senate, House and governor races.