The outcome of months of speculation will be revealed Tuesday as Americans vote to decide which party will control Congress for the next two years. However, the final results, particularly for closely contested House and Senate races, may not be known for days or even over a week after Election Day.
Many forecasters anticipate a significant Democratic performance in House races, which could lead to a clearer picture of the Senate's control by late Tuesday or early Wednesday. While the Senate's majority has often been determined swiftly in recent history, this election features several toss-up races, including one in Alaska that could face litigation and delay final results.
Key Election Day Timings
6 p.m. ET: The first polls close in parts of Indiana and Kentucky. The 6th Congressional District in Kentucky, a race moved to toss-up by Fox News, is an early indicator. Republican incumbent Jacob Alvarado faces Democrat Zach Dembo for an open seat previously held by Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), who is running for the Senate.
7 p.m. ET: Polls close in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia. Georgia features a closely watched Senate race between incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins. The Georgia gubernatorial race pits Republican Rick Jackson against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. In South Carolina, appointed Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) is tied with Democrat Annie Andrews. Virginia's House races could offer an early look at national trends, with Republican incumbents in districts carried by Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Vermont's gubernatorial race sees Republican Gov. Phil Scott in a tight contest.
7:30 p.m. ET: Polls close in North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. Ohio's Senate race sees Democrat Sherrod Brown leading Republican Jon Husted. The Ohio gubernatorial race features Republican Vivek Ramaswamy trailing Democrat Amy Acton. In North Carolina, former Gov. Roy Cooper leads former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley in the race for an open Senate seat.
8 p.m. ET: Poll closures include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Washington D.C. Florida's redistricted House seats could provide early insights. Pennsylvania's House races are seen as potentially decisive, with several Republican incumbents in competitive contests. Maine's Senate race, featuring incumbent Republican Susan Collins, may not be called on election night due to ranked-choice voting. New Hampshire's Senate race pits Rep. Chris Pappas against former Sen. John E. Sununu. In Mississippi, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith faces a challenge from Democrat Scott Colom.
8:30 p.m. ET: Polls close in Arkansas, where Republicans are heavily favored.
9 p.m. ET: Polls close in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Texas's Senate race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is tied, according to a Fox News poll. Michigan's Senate race has seen a late twist with Rep. Haley Stevens endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Kansas's Senate race features incumbent Roger Marshall against Rev. Adam Hamilton. Iowa's Senate race has seen close polling between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek. Nebraska's Senate race is tied between independent Dan Osborn and incumbent Pete Ricketts. Minnesota's Senate race has Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan leading former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya. Wisconsin's gubernatorial race sees Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leading Republican Tom Tiffany. Arizona's gubernatorial race has incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs leading Rep. Andy Biggs. New York's gubernatorial race has incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul leading Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
10 p.m. ET: Polls close in Montana, Nevada, and Utah. Montana has a close House race and a three-way Senate contest. Nevada's gubernatorial race features incumbent Gov. Joe Lombardo against Attorney General Aaron Ford.
11 p.m. ET: Polls close in California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. California's vote counting is notoriously slow and could be pivotal if the battle for the House is close. Oregon's gubernatorial race is between incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican Sen. Christine Drazan.
12 a.m. ET (Nov. 4): Polls close in Hawaii.
1 a.m. ET (Nov. 4): Polls close in Alaska. The Senate race between incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola has been affected by controversy over the recruitment of a candidate named “Decoy Dan.” Alaska's use of ranked-choice voting could also delay final results.