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If history is any indication, the party of a sitting US president has usually lost ground in Congress, with only two exceptions since World War II.

US President Donald Trump (Image: AP Photo)
With electorates set to decide the fate of the US Congress in the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, which will reflect their level of satisfaction with the first two years of President Donald Trump’s second term, surveys show that Republicans are facing a tough battle in the US House of Representatives, while control of the Senate remains uncertain.
The high-stakes battle for the Senate is unfolding across nearly 10 closely contested statewide races, most of them in Republican strongholds.
History Is Against Trump’s Republicans
If history is any indication, the party of a sitting US president has usually lost ground in Congress, with only two exceptions since World War II. US Midterm Elections 2026 Latest Updates
According to ReutersTrump’s approval rating is hovering near its all-time low, further weighed down by deep voter frustration over the ongoing war with Iran and the subsequent rise in fuel prices.
The elections have largely turned into a referendum on Trumpwho has remained at the centre of American politics for nearly a decade. The US President has repeatedly urged supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” while holding more than two dozen campaign rallies since October to mobilise Republican voters.
At A Glance
Republicans are facing a tough battle in the US House of Representatives for the midterm elections.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are up for election.
Democrats need to flip at least three House seats and four Senate seats to secure majorities in both chambers.
Trump’s approval rating is hovering near its all-time low amid voter frustration over the war with Iran and rising fuel prices.
Republicans have sought to portray Democratic candidates as radical and un-American. However, opinion polls suggest that affordability and rising living costs remain major concerns among voters, with dissatisfaction over Trump’s economic policies and the war with Iran adding to the party’s challenges.
US Midterms: High-Stakes Battle To Watch Out For
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are up for election. Democrats need to flip at least three House seats and four Senate seats to secure majorities in both chambers.
The Senate contest is particularly challenging for Democrats, who must defend their existing seats while making gains in traditionally Republican states, including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
Several closely watched races, particularly in Michigan and Texas, could prove decisive in determining control of the Senate. Meanwhile, Democrats are also hoping to capitalise on competitive House races, with 47 constituencies widely considered battlegrounds.
A Democratic victory in either chamber could significantly restrict Trump’s legislative agenda, trigger congressional investigations into his administration and give Democrats greater control over presidential appointments. With affordability, foreign policy and Trump’s leadership dominating the campaign, the midterms could prove a crucial test of Republican support.
Quick Answers
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are being contested on November 3, 2026, to determine which party controls Congress. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to secure majorities in both chambers.
About the Author

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers politics and a wide range of hard news, with a keen interest in national and international d…Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
November 03, 2026, 4:51 PM IST
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