Voters head to polls as Trump faces midterms

Polls began closing on Tuesday as Americans cast ballots in legislative elections that serve as a direct referendum on President Donald Trump's second term. The outcome will determine the balance of power in Washington for the final two years of his presidency.

More than 59 million people had already voted before Tuesday, surpassing the early voting totals from 2022, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. This high turnout reflects a electorate that is largely frustrated with the direction of the country. The AP Voter Poll found that about three-fourths of voters feel angry or dissatisfied with the current trajectory of the nation.

Economic concerns dominate the ballot box. Approximately 80% of voters say inflation has caused severe or moderate financial difficulty in their households. High prices for gasoline and food remain top priorities. Government corruption and the cost of living were cited by about half of voters as crucial factors in their decision, outweighing concerns about immigration enforcement and the war with Iran.

Early results indicate a shift in power. Democratic Senator Mark Warner was re-elected easily in Virginia. In Florida, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz won a new seat after redistricting. However, margins remain tight in both chambers. Democrats need a net gain of four seats in the 100-member Senate to secure a majority, while they require a gain of three seats in the 435-member House of Representatives.

President Trump has actively campaigned for his party, urging voters to treat the election as if his name were on the ballot. He traveled to states including Kansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina. In a Tuesday interview with Fox News, Trump declared that inflation was resolved, despite the Department of Commerce reporting a 3.6% year-over-year increase in consumer prices in September. He predicted the results would be better than observers expect.

The Republican strategy relies heavily on funding. The party spent 88.1% of its television ad money in states and districts that Trump won in 2024. This included more than $850 million in ads in areas where he won by 10 points or more. Republicans hope this financial advantage will help them retain the House and defend the Senate, a goal that seemed unlikely earlier in the year given the district maps.

Key Senate races are unfolding in states like Ohio, Alaska, and North Carolina. In Alaska, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit to block the certification of results if Republican Senator Dan Sullivan loses, citing a second candidate with the same name on the ballot. In North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper faces Michael Whatley, who was chosen by Trump to replace retiring Senator Thom Tillis.

Beyond the federal government, 36 states are electing governors. Democrats aim to win a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades. Competitive races include Texas, Florida, and Iowa. In Ohio, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy faced criticism for an ad featuring Democrat Amy Acton and her mother, who lost custody of Acton after her stepfather was accused of rape.

If Democrats take control of either chamber, it will open the door for investigations and potential impeachments. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk are among the potential targets. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries outlined a 100-day agenda focused on reducing costs and aggressive oversight. He would become the first Black speaker of the House if his party wins the majority.

Voting proceeded with minor issues in some areas. In Westchester County, New York, officials placed ballots in emergency bags for later counting due to machine problems. In Raleigh, North Carolina, voters expressed dissatisfaction with Trump's tax cuts. In Florida, voters cited Trump's leadership and his promise of a $5,000 payment to adults if Republicans keep Congress as key reasons for their support.