US Midterm Elections 2026: Voting Begins Today, Trump’s Popularity Faces A Major Test

Washington: Mid-term elections are going to be held in America on Tuesday, November 3. These elections are being considered a big political test for President Donald Trump. The results of the elections will decide whether the Republican Party will be able to retain control over both houses of the US Congress i.e. the House of Representatives and the Senate in the last two years of Trump's tenure or the Democrat Party will change the equations of power.

Issues like inflation, rising cost of living, immigration policy, economy and Iran war can play an important role in these elections. In the elections, the Democrat Party is trying to gain majority in the House of Representatives, while the Republicans are likely to face a tough challenge in the Senate too. These results will not only impact Trump's policies but may also decide the political direction of the 2028 presidential election.

On which issues are elections being held in America?

This time there are many big issues before the American voters. There is resentment among people regarding inflation and rising prices of everyday items. Apart from this, immigration policy, employment, cost of health services and Iran war are also part of the election debate.

The Democrat Party is cornering the Trump administration on these issues. At the same time, the Republican Party is trying to gain the support of voters on the basis of its policies and achievements.

How many seats will be contested in the House of Representatives and Senate?

Control of both houses of the US Congress is the biggest issue of this election.

1. House of Representatives: Elections will be held for a total of 435 seats. 218 seats are needed for majority.
2. Senate: Out of a total of 100 seats, elections will be held for 35 seats. These also include two special elections.

At present the Republican Party has majority in both the houses. Republicans have 53 members in the Senate, while the Democrats also have two independent members. Republicans have 218 seats and Democrats have 214 seats in the House of Representatives. 

Can Democrats increase problems for Trump?

If Democrats gain a majority in the House of Representatives, it may be difficult for the Trump administration to advance its legislative agenda. Democrats can put pressure on Republicans to investigate government policies, budgets and bills.

At the same time, control of the Senate is also very important. Here many senior appointments made by the President and appointments to judicial posts are approved. However, losing in any House of Congress will not end Trump's presidency or executive powers.

Which candidates of Indian origin are contesting in the elections?

Many candidates of Indian origin are also in discussion in the US mid-term elections. Prominent names include:

• Vivek Ramaswamy: Republican candidate for governor in Ohio.
• Saritha Komatireddy: Contesting for the post of Attorney General in New York.
• Ro Khanna: Democrat MP from California and is contesting re-election.
• Pramila Jayapal: Is contesting re-election for the House of Representatives seat from Washington.
• Suhas Subramaniam: Democrat candidate from Virginia.
• Ami Bera: Contesting re-election from California.
• Nitya Raman: Is in the race for the post of Mayor of Los Angeles. 

How much money did Trump and Elon Musk spend in the elections?

Use of money in election campaign has also been a big topic of discussion. According to the report, Trump-backed MAGA Inc. Elon Musk spent about 280 million dollars in the election campaign, while Elon Musk spent about 366 million dollars. This has also exposed the role of big political funds and influential people in the elections. 

When will the election results come?

Voting will take place in America on November 3. Counting of votes will begin after the closure of polling stations in different states. Initial results will start coming in on the day of voting itself, but in close contests the final results may take longer.

The whole world is keeping an eye on these elections because their results will decide with how much political strength Donald Trump will be able to carry forward in the remaining two years of his tenure.