Americans head to the polls Tuesday for the final day of midterm voting, with high-stakes races for the House and Senate poised to determine the balance of power in Congress. The outcomes could significantly impact President Donald Trump's executive influence and shape domestic and foreign policy amid concerns over inflation and high fuel prices.
Key Senate Races
Thirty-five Senate seats are up for grabs, and a few competitive races will be pivotal in deciding which party controls the upper chamber. Democrats need to win at least four additional seats to gain a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose up to three and retain control with Vice President JD Vance's tie-breaking vote. Republicans currently hold 53 seats to the Democrats' 45, with two independents caucusing with Democrats.
Trump has actively campaigned for Republican candidates in battleground and traditionally Republican states. Key Senate contests to watch include races in Michigan, Texas, Alaska, Ohio, and Kansas.
In Michigan, a contentious race pits former Rep. Mike Rogers against former public health official Abdul El-Sayed. The Texas Senate race sees incumbent Republican Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico, with Paxton's career marked by political scandals. Alaska's race features Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan against Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola. In Maine, moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins is defending her seat against former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson. Ohio's race is between Republican John Husted and Democrat Sherrod Brown. Kansas has Republican Sen. Roger Marshall competing against Democrat Adam Hamilton.
Close races are also anticipated in more reliably Republican states like South Carolina, Nebraska, and Mississippi.
Key House Races
All 435 House seats are on the ballot, with 14 races designated as "Tossups" by ABC News expected to be crucial in determining control of the chamber. Democrats need to gain at least three seats to shift the balance. Republicans currently hold a slim majority with 220 seats to the Democrats' 215.
Key House races to monitor are in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Additional consequential races are in districts redrawn by Republican legislatures in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Democrats are also aiming to set a new record by electing at least 100 Democratic women to the House. Currently, 125 women serve in the House, 95 of whom are Democrats.
Key Gubernatorial Races
Several female gubernatorial nominees could achieve historic wins. Twenty-six women are major-party nominees, a record number, with 19 Democrats and seven Republicans.
In Texas, Gina Hinojosa could become the first Latina governor. New Mexico's Deb Haaland, former Secretary of the Interior, could be the first Native American woman to serve as governor. Georgia's Keisha Lance Bottoms might become the state's first woman governor and the first Black woman to govern any state.
Ohio Democratic nominee Amy Acton faces Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy drew bipartisan criticism for a controversial attack ad against Acton.
Former President Barack Obama has urged voters to turn out, emphasizing the power of the vote. President Trump has pledged a "Trump Dividend" of $5,000 cash payments to adults if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate, a proposal he defends as being funded by economic growth.
