Democrats chase a 'blue wave' to win the Senate and House as Americans vote in a referendum on Trump
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which Trump suggested renaming after himself on the eve of midterm polling day, as voter anger over grocery and gas prices driven by his Iran war and tariffs dominated the final campaign stretch.
With more than 54 million early ballots already cast — nearly nine million more than at the 2026 midterms — Americans are voting today on whether to hand Democrats control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Republicans hold a 53-47 edge in the Senate and a razor-thin 219-seat majority in the House, both of which are in play. Trump, who urged supporters at a Sunday rally in Kansas to "pretend I'm on the ballot," gambled his political capital on personalising the vote.
Texas is the marquee battleground, with Republican Ken Paxton defending against Democrat James Talarico in a race that could flip a seat Republicans have held for 30 years.
Democrats are more energised to vote than Republicans, polls indicate, fuelled by anger over persistent inflation and a war with Iran that surveys show has little public support.
If Republicans lose Congress, Trump faces a wave of Democratic subpoenas, investigations into his administration and business dealings, and possibly a fresh impeachment drive.
