US midterm elections 2026: Key races to watch, issues and what is at stake for Trump and Republicans

The 2026 US midterm elections will play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Washington, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 Senate seats and 39 governorships up for grabs. The results will shape the political landscape for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term and determine how much influence his administration has over Congress.

Voters will decide control of the House and Senate, 39 governorships and thousands of state and local contests. The results will shape President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda and influence national and local policies, with the economy, Iran conflict, immigration and artificial intelligence among the key issues.

(AFP)Beyond the battle for congressional control, voters will also decide thousands of state legislative races, local elections, judicial contests and ballot measures. Key issues such as the economy, immigration, the US conflict with Iran and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence are expected to influence voter decisions.

The US Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Both are responsible for passing federal legislation and overseeing the executive branch, making control of either chamber politically significant.

This year's elections include 35 Senate races, comprising 33 regularly scheduled contests and two special elections in Florida and Ohio to fill vacant seats. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, compared with 47 held by Democrats and independents who caucus with them.

Democrats need a net gain of four seats to secure a majority. The electoral battle extends beyond Capitol Hill, with 39 governorships being contested across 36 states and three US territories. Thousands of state legislative seats are also on the ballot, alongside local government positions, judicial races and public ballot measures.

Several of these contests could have a direct impact on policies affecting Americans' daily lives, including education, taxation, reproductive rights and election administration. The outcomes will therefore influence not only the national political balance but also policymaking at the state and local levels.

Several closely contested races across the country could influence the balance of power in Washington. The Senate contests in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Alaska, alongside competitive House districts in Pennsylvania, Iowa and New York, are among the races attracting national attention.

Here are some of the closely watched contests: - Georgia: Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is defending his seat against Republican Congressman Mike Collins. The contest is being watched as Republicans seek to gain ground in a state that has become increasingly competitive in federal elections.

- North Carolina: Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is facing Republican Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman, in an open Senate race. Democrats view the seat as an important opportunity to expand their Senate representation.

- Ohio: Republican Senator Jon Husted faces former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, who is attempting to return to the Senate after losing his 2024 re-election bid. The contest has also brought attention to debates over data centre expansion.

- Texas: Republican Ken Paxton is competing against Democrat James Talarico. The race has attracted national attention because of the state's long-standing Republican dominance in statewide elections. - Alaska: Republican Senator Dan Sullivan faces a challenge from former Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola.

The contest is being closely monitored as Democrats look for opportunities to gain a seat in traditionally Republican territory. - Maine: Republican Senator Susan Collins is seeking another term against Democrat Troy Jackson.

Collins has previously survived competitive re-election campaigns, while Democrats are seeking to make the race a significant challenge for the Republican Party. - New Hampshire: Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and former Republican Senator John Sununu are competing for an open Senate seat following Senator Jeanne Shaheen's retirement.

- Iowa: Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek are contesting an open Senate seat after Republican Senator Joni Ernst decided not to seek re-election.