The US midterms today, Tuesday, 3 November 2026, will decide who controls Congress for the last two years of President Donald Trump’s term. Voters are choosing all 435 House members, 35 senators and governors in 36 states. More than 54 million Americans had already voted early, according to Fox News. Many more ballots will be cast today.
Election Day at a glance
| Date | Tuesday, 3 November 2026 |
| House | All 435 seats; 218 needed for a majority; Democrats need a net gain of three |
| Senate | 35 seats; Republicans hold 53-47; Democrats need a net gain of four |
| Governors | 36 states, including Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Nevada and Wisconsin |
| First polls close | 6 p.m. Eastern, which is midnight in Nigeria |
| Last polls close | 1 a.m. Eastern Wednesday, which is 7 a.m. in Nigeria |
Nigeria is six hours ahead of the US East Coast. As a result, early results may begin to arrive after midnight on Wednesday. At 7 p.m. Eastern, polls close in Georgia, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia. North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia follow at 7:30 p.m. Most other states close by 8 p.m., and the final polls close at 1 a.m.
Several Senate races could decide control. In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper faces Republican Michael Whatley. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff faces Republican Mike Collins. In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers. Ohio, Texas, Alaska and Iowa are also competitive.
Voters say the cost of living is a top concern. The economy, healthcare and the Iran war also rank high, ABC reported. Meanwhile, Trump told supporters that Republicans “gave this a very strong shot.” He also acknowledged that the president’s party historically loses midterm seats. Forecasts show Democrats ahead in the race for the House, while the Senate is harder for them.
Some results may take days. Court fights over election rules could extend counting past Election Day, ABC reported, and close races often need more time. In addition, bad weather forced some polling places in parts of Florida to move.
Why does this matter for Nigerians? Congress controls US spending, including the Iran war funding request now before it. It also shapes immigration and visa policy. Therefore, the outcome could affect Nigerians with relatives or business ties in the United States.
Sojworldnews will update this story with results as the Associated Press calls the key races. The figures above come from news reports and may change.
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