What are the US midterms? A simple guide

As the United States approaches its midterm elections, voters prepare to cast ballots that carry immense weight for the remainder of Donald Trump's presidency. Taking place every two years, the midterms occur right in the middle of a president's four-year term. They serve as a crucial referendum on the administration's performance so far while deciding which political party controls the legislative branch.

Congress is divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its primary responsibility is to draft, debate, and pass federal laws that apply nationwide. The outcome of the upcoming November vote will determine whether Trump's Republican Party maintains its grip on Congress or if the opposition Democrats can seize control of at least one chamber, fundamentally altering the political landscape.

Every single seat in the House of Representatives—all 435 of them—is up for election. House members serve two-year terms and are responsible for initiating most proposed legislation. In addition to the lower chamber, 35 out of 100 Senate seats are being contested. Senators enjoy longer, six-year terms and hold the power to approve or block laws sent over from the House. Beyond federal lawmakers, many states will also elect local politicians, with high-profile gubernatorial races scheduled in key states like California, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan.

Several pressing issues are driving voter sentiment this election cycle. The American economy remains a top concern as many citizens struggle with high costs for fuel, groceries, housing, and healthcare. Inflation continues to outpace the Federal Reserve's targets, a situation exacerbated by the war initiated by the US and Israel with Iran in February. Furthermore, Democrats contend that President Trump's trade tariffs have further inflated consumer prices.

Immigration is another fiercely contested topic. Republicans praise Trump for fulfilling key 2024 campaign promises by tightening the southern border and executing a broad crackdown on illegal immigration. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence has emerged as an urgent policy debate. Unlike traditional partisan divides, senior politicians from both parties have united in calling for AI regulations, putting them at direct odds with Trump, who opposes government restrictions on technology development.

The stakes for control of Congress are exceptionally high. The legislative branch forms one of the three core pillars of the US government, alongside the executive presidency and the judiciary. Currently, Republicans hold a very slender majority in both chambers, boasting 218 seats in the House—the absolute minimum required for control—and 53 seats in the Senate, where 51 are needed. If Democrats manage to flip either chamber, they will gain vital investigative powers and the ability to advance their own legislative agenda.

Historically, midterm elections often present a difficult hurdle for the sitting president's party, as voters frequently use the ballot box to voice their discontent. Polling data indicates a challenging environment for the administration, with Trump's approval rating dropping from just over 50% at the start of his second term to roughly 37% by early October, contrasted by a 61% disapproval rating. Nevertheless, many congressional seats remain safely in partisan hands, leaving the ultimate outcome dependent on a select group of highly competitive races across the country.