Iran War Costs Top Ballots as Democrats Seek Control of Congress

Voters across the nation are casting ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, a contest that will determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on the administration, noting that many citizens are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. This conflict has emerged as a central issue for Democratic candidates, who are framing the vote as a decision on the cost of living and oversight of the executive branch.

The stakes in the U.S. House are high, with all 435 seats up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214, leaving one seat for an independent and accounting for vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, a threshold that places pressure on them to perform well in the 46 battleground districts identified by Ballotpedia. Of these, 25 are held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans, creating a tight race in areas that voted for the president in the 2024 cycle.

In the Senate, 35 seats are on the ballot, including 33 regular elections and two special elections for the remaining terms of Marco Rubio and JD Vance. Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with the Democratic party. Democrats require a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber, a significant hurdle given that Republicans can afford to lose only two seats. Eleven senators are not running again, including four Democrats and seven Republicans, which opens several competitive races in states like Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire.

The war with Iran has influenced the political mood, with the Associated Press noting that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most of these voters blame President Trump for high prices, a sentiment that aligns with the Democratic focus on economic strain. AP-NORC polling indicates that only 35% of adults approve of the president's job performance, while just 25% approve of his handling of the economy. These figures suggest that the administration's foreign policy decisions are contributing to a broader dissatisfaction with domestic economic conditions.

Financial advantages present a significant obstacle for the Democratic party, as the 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent their Democratic counterparts, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and contributions from Elon Musk. An analysis by the Associated Press of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more. Despite this, Democratic candidates at the individual level have managed to outraise their Republican opponents.

Redistricting adds another layer of complexity to the election, as six states are using new congressional maps following mid-decade redistricting. California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are using new boundaries, and Ohio is also utilizing a new map. Republicans attempted to use redistricting to beat the typical midterm pattern of losing seats, but the effectiveness of these new districts remains uncertain as voters cast their ballots. The new maps may alter the balance of power in key swing districts that are critical for either party to gain a majority.

In the governor's races, 36 offices are up for election, with Republicans holding 26 and Democrats holding 24 before the vote. Of the offices on the ballot, each party holds 18, and 19 races do not feature an incumbent. Democrats are aiming to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades, a goal that would strengthen their influence over state-level policy. Key matchups include Georgia, where Republican Rick Jackson faces Democratic Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Nevada, where Republican Joe Lombardo challenges Democratic Aaron Ford.

The administration's handling of the election process has also drawn attention, with the Justice Department threatening to prosecute local election officials. A federal judge temporarily barred the administration from implementing a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. In California, a judge ordered the administration to stop demanding the segregation of ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. These legal battles have heightened tensions and led some Democrats to fear interference and intimidation on Election Day.

Voters are turning out in large numbers, with more than 57 million people having already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. President Trump held dozens of rallies to support his party, ending his schedule in Salina, Kansas, where he asked supporters to pretend he was on the ballot. His rallies took place in states including Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas, although many Republican candidates maintained some distance from the president's direct endorsements.

The outcome of this election will have immediate implications for oversight and investigations. If Democrats win control of even one chamber of Congress, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings are likely to become a central part of the legislative agenda. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight of the administration. A strong Democratic performance could also boost the profiles of potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while complicating the path for Vice President JD Vance.

As polls close in various states, the focus remains on the tight margins that could decide control of both chambers. The Associated Press notes that one or two seats could tip either chamber, highlighting the precarious nature of the current balance of power. Republicans are bracing to lose the House while fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic. The results will begin to shape the political landscape for the remainder of the president's term and beyond.