The United States midterm elections may not have fireworks or a halftime pop concert, but they’re one of the most powerful “people’s checks” on Washington. If you’ve been wondering when the midterm elections 2025 or when are 2026 midterms are, here’s the full, plain-English breakdown — plus who’s running, what they’re saying, and how Trump’s approval rating could shape it all.
Every couple of years, America hits “pause” on its regular political routine and heads to the polls for what’s called the midterm elections. It’s like a halftime show in sports – except instead of cheerleaders, we get speeches, debates, and the occasional political drama.
The midterms don’t choose the president, but they can flip the power in Congress, which changes how much the president can get done. With 2025 already buzzing and 2026 around the corner, here’s what’s going on – no jargon, no politics degree needed.
Midterms in 2025?
Short answer: Nope.
Midterms always happen in even-numbered years. That means 2025 will have some important elections—like governors in New Jersey and Virginia—but they’re not true “midterms.”
Midterm Elections 2025 — Are They Happening?
Short answer: No.
Why? Midterms are always in even-numbered years. That means midterm elections 2025 don’t exist in the official sense — though there are some state and local races like governor contests in New Jersey and Virginia.
So if you searched “when is the next midterm election 2025,” the real action is November 3, 2026.
Midterm Elections 2026 — The Big Date
Midterm elections 2026 date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Here’s what’s on the ballot:
- 435 House seats — every single one
- Around 33–35 Senate seats — key for control of Congress
- Governors, state legislatures, and countless local officials
The 2026 midterms Senate races are especially important because they could flip the balance of power — either giving President Trump more breathing room or tying his hands for the rest of his term.
Think of it as a giant political shuffle—who’s in, who’s out, and who gets to call the shots.
Quick Refresher: What Are Midterms?
They’re America’s progress report card on the president. Two years into a term, voters decide if they like the direction the country’s headed—or if they want to shake things up.
Who’s Running in Key Senate Races & What They’re Saying
Ohio – Sherrod Brown (D) vs. Jon Husted (R)
- Sherrod Brown: A comeback try, promising to “fight for working families.”
- Jon Husted: Current appointee, focused on “growing Ohio’s economy and jobs.”
Michigan – Mallory McMorrow (D)
- Rising star, known for her equality speech, pledging to “stand up for every Michigander’s rights.”
South Carolina – Dr. Annie Andrews (D) vs. Lindsey Graham (R)
- Dr. Annie Andrews: Pediatrician, fighting to “protect kids and safeguard women’s rights.”
- Lindsey Graham: Veteran senator, promising to “keep America secure at home and abroad.”
Georgia – John King (R) vs. Jon Ossoff (D)
- John King: First Latino statewide official in GA, aiming for “service-driven leadership.”
- Jon Ossoff: Incumbent pledging “honest government and opportunity for all.”
Iowa – Joni Ernst (R) vs. Multiple Democrats
- Joni Ernst: “Bring it on,” she says, ready to defend her seat.
- Democrats: Several new voices promising to “give Iowa fresh leadership.”
North Carolina – Roy Cooper (D)
- Former governor promising to “work across the aisle for North Carolinians.”
Trump’s Approval Rating
If you’ve been searching Trump’s approval rating, here’s where things stand:
- Pew Research: 38% approve, 60% disapprove
- Economist/YouGov: 42% approve, 54% disapprove
- Gallup: 37% approve — lowest of his second term
- Average: 38–44% in most major polls
Some experts warn that inflation, ongoing Trump tariffs, and voter fatigue could hurt GOP chances in 2026. Others note that Democrats aren’t dramatically more popular, keeping the battlefield wide open.
What People Are Saying:
- James Carville: “The Trump administration is collapsing now.”
- Harry Enten (CNN): Inflation could doom GOP chances in 2026.
- WSJ Poll: Holding steady at 46% thanks to Republican loyalty.
- Politico: Democrats aren’t much more popular than Trump, which complicates the picture.
Why This Matters to Everyday Life
Midterms decide who writes the laws that shape daily reality — from healthcare to taxes, wages to school funding. They decide how much of Trump’s agenda survives.
- If Republicans win big, expect more tariff battles, tax policy shifts, and deregulation.
- If Democrats take control, Trump could face constant legislative roadblocks.
Why This Matters Beyond Politics
Midterms aren’t just about red vs. blue.
They decide who holds the pen when it comes to laws on healthcare, taxes, education, and the economy. They shape what your paycheck looks like, how safe your community feels, and what rights are protected.
For Trump, the 2026 midterms could be a defining moment. If his approval dips lower, it could weaken his party’s grip on Congress. If he holds steady, it could keep his agenda alive. Either way, the outcome will touch everyone—whether you tune into politics daily or not.
Bottom line:
- No midterm in 2025
- November 3, 2026, is the big date
- Key Senate races are already heating up
- Trump’s approval is in the high 30s to low 40s, with passionate supporters and growing critics
- And the decisions made in these elections? They’ll ripple through every corner of daily life.
the GOP tanked the economy in 1934 with Tariff Policies and caused the Great Depression. Obviously no Lessons were Learned. Donald Trump is a Dictator, only concerned about himself and not the United States. At risk is Democracy, the Constitution and the Rule of Law. The GOP does not seem to be concerned and is mesmerized by this Mentally unbalanced Madman who in six months has destroyed Trade Relationships around the World, withdrawn the United States from Important International Organizations, threatened the Sovereignty and Economic Destruction of neighboring Countries and long time Allies and Trading Partners, bombed Iran and other atrocities all without the approval of Congress. He is a Pathological Liar, a convicted Felon and Rapist, Draft Dodger and all round unsavory Individual. Why did the United States Citizens elect him?
I respect that people may see things differently, and I welcome diverse viewpoints. At the end of the day, I think we all benefit from asking hard questions, staying informed, and engaging respectfully – even when we disagree 🙂
Omg. You said it all. I ask that question too. I will vote in primary. I heard trump say he wanted to destroy the USA, because we prosecuted him. Nobody’s bringing that up. He’s doing it. PROJECT 2025……
It’s important that voters stay informed and engaged, especially when it comes to major policy proposals like Project 2025. Everyone should take time to research and understand the implications of these plans before casting their vote.
This is another way more propaganda
How could anybody print this hyperbole? Paul obviously has TDS and should check his blood pressure.
Thanks for great post.
I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.
Thanks, as a UK national now living in the US I never really understood how and why mid-term elections are held, so I appreciate the clarity. I believe that it is vital that more Americans pay some attention to politics in these challenging and changing times. The combination of more wars, a new “industrial” revolution with the capabilities of AI and the current administration (or is it just one man’s will) being more extreme, these factors require all the people to help shape the way forward. In the last election 35%+ of all Americans didn’t vote. I believe that many of these people cannot be happy with the current direction the country is moving in.
Make America Great Again is a message I absolutely agree with, however, I disagree with so many major decisions are being made, how they are being made and the total disregard for a large group of US citizens. I hope we see a turnout of 80%+ in the mid-terms so that we can truly see what America wants & thinks about the short term direction the US is on.
Thank you for sharing your perspective so clearly and thoughtfully. As someone who has come to the U.S. from abroad, your observations carry a valuable perspective – sometimes it takes an outside view to help us see things more clearly. I completely agree that civic engagement is crucial, especially in times of rapid change and uncertainty. Whether it’s technological disruption, global conflict, or shifts in leadership style, these moments call for more public participation, not less.
The idea of making America great resonates with many, but how we define greatness – and how we achieve it – deserves open and inclusive debate. I share your hope for a strong voter turnout. When more voices are heard, the path forward becomes clearer and more representative of the people’s will.
Very good information and clearly written. Thanks for answering my questions.
The next mid-term election should not be about which party you are on, but who is going to be the best person who represent all of the people of this great nation. When it comes down to your vote, you must choose the best Person, not the best Party. The current administration is all about self, and not you and I as citizens. DJT policies’ are not what’s going to take us safely into the future. The only way forward for this country following the the two years after the mid-term is to have a congress that will reject his dictatorship almost in its entirety.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly. I think many people – regardless of political affiliation – are feeling the weight of these times and questioning how best to move forward. You’re absolutely right that elections should be about choosing individuals who truly represent the values and needs of all citizens, not just party loyalty.
We must continue to encourage informed and engaged participation, especially when the stakes feel high. Whether one agrees or disagrees with current policies, the strength of a democracy lies in its ability to reflect a wide range of voices and hold leaders accountable. I hope we see a future where more people vote based on principles, character, and vision – not just party lines.
Not sure who this expert advice person is.. lol.
It is extremely important that we get Democrats elected in the upcoming mid-terms because the balance of power in our government is completely to one side and that is rarely a good thing. That said.. I don’t think this administration is fit to wield any power at all. Everything Trump has done has served to divide us. He has fanned the flames of racism and he has spent nearly all his time attacking blue states, blue programs, the progress made by the Biden administration (and for all Biden’s faults, there were MAJOR wins that Trump has specifically fought to undo), and he destroyed the credibility and morality of the Supreme Court with the appointment of justices who I feel were specifically chosen just to roll back Roe v. Wade… and lie about this during their confirmation hearings. The Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. United States is utterly unforgiveable and inexplicable and clearly corrupt in its clear implication… they placed the office of the president above the law. I cannot imagine a more corrupt thing.. in doing so, they not only disrupted the balance of powers (executive, legislative, judicial) they ceded their own authority to Trump.
I’m not sure how we as a nation survive the next 3 1/2 years of Trump’s reign, I know JD Vance is almost as horrific a prospect… he is not worthy of his current office, nevermind the office of President. It’s very hard not to weep for our nation. There has never been a darker time as the entire Democracy is faltering. It is SO IMPORTANT that the Democrats are given the power to stop this madness. We absolutely MUST not let them divide the people and the Democratic party will always want the best for ALL the people. The Republicans have given up on the Democracy because they know they almost cannot win elections fairly at this point. They have been hijacked by a collection of money hungry politicians with no good morality.. They have been manipulated by conservative TV media that has laid out a false narrative… selectively reported the news and used dirty tricks, exaggeration and double speak to outrage their viewers about all kinds of things that are not real concerns. Trans people? This is not a top concern.. Sorry.. it’s not. Trans people are such a small population in this country. There are a total of TEN trans people in minor league sports and NONE in any major league sport. I am a democrat and personally do not believe they should be alloweed to compete as the opposite sex. If you are taking hormone therapy, then you are disqualified just the same as a man taking testosterone supplements. Sorry. And for the record… there are no children getting sex changes without parental knowledge. Every time I see that I have to laugh… but it’s not funny because Republican politicians want their voters to think this is really a concern. They use this kind of fear tactic to keep their voter base freaked out and distract from the foul business they are engaged in… taking the middle class tax dollars for themselves and gutting our services in Washington, sacrificing the health and safety of the Nation so the rich can get a tax break… PBS?? Really? PBS cost every tax payer less than $2/year. Congratulations, Republicans. I very much hope that you have awakened the sleeping citizens of the country. Everyone must give this autocrat a Democratic Senate and House… Even Republicans should vote blue for the time being. It’s so important. .
WTF who put this BS together. The Democrats will probably not win a thing in the next 10 -20 years at least!
Lets not forget who laughed at the death of an honest man, who went on rampages to inflict harm on others, who lied and tried to tarnish Trump. Who shut the government down. Who assassinated others they didn’t agree with. Who stopped 8 wars. Let’s not forget also who was the person that actually acted as King; what party did that. Oh yea. the left when they put in who they wanted without approval from their own base. Whose party spied on another party and surveilled them, the left once again. What party supports lawlessness, the left. SO yes 2026 is not a time to not get out and vote; plan it, do it. Make them pay for what they did to this country, keep our money; IE taxes going to American and not the lefts values. Remember the waste that was found. The pet projects of the left. Plan it on your calendar. but get out there and be heard. We aren’t taking it anymore.