The 2026 US midterm elections
The 2026 US midterm elections, with Election Day on November 3: all 435 House seats, 35 of the 100 Senate seats and 36 governorships on the ballot, after weeks of campaigning, early and mail voting, and federal and court actions on voter rolls, ballots and certification.
Since 2026-10-20 · 63 articles and posts from 40 sources: US outlets 23 · International 8 · Wire services 3 · US government 6
What happened
- By mid-October, early voting was under way for the Nov. 3 midterms. Republicans held a 53-47 Senate majority, Democrats needed a net gain of four Senate seats, and the Globe and Mail noted a record $3.8 billion in political advertising spending as of Oct. 12. The Globe and Mail
- On Oct. 20 the Justice Department said 28 foreign nationals were charged in California with fraudulently registering and voting. By Oct. 26 the White House cited 48 foreigners charged, and Trump announced a $1 million reward for reporting voter fraud, which UPI said came without details on funding or authority. Department of Justice on X, UPI
- Around Oct. 26, AP reported Trump campaigning in Mississippi, a reliably Republican state, as Democrats expanded the battleground map on inflation, the Iran war and Trump's tariffs. Almost 30 million votes had already been cast. AP
- The Justice Department pushed California to set aside ballots of about 20,000 alleged noncitizens. Judge David Carter rejected this on Oct. 28, and the 9th Circuit refused to intervene on Oct. 30. The Justice Department then issued grand jury subpoenas to California election officials. UPI, NBC News
- Affordability dominated the closing campaign. Diesel was reported over 70% higher than a year earlier, and heating oil and electricity costs were issues in different regions. Democrats tied these costs to the Iran war and tariffs, while some Republicans blamed other causes. NewsNation, The Guardian (US), headline
- In Alaska, the Justice Department sued to block certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses, citing an independent candidate with the same name. The New York Times reported Democratic operatives recruited him, and the Peltola campaign denied it. A federal judge threw out the suit on Nov. 1. AFP, Christian Science Monitor
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How the story is being told
5 ways of telling it run through the coverage. Most sources mix more than one; each is listed under the tellings its own words support.
A federal push against what it calls noncitizen voting
These sources describe the Justice Department and DHS acting to enforce the ban on noncitizen voting through charges, lists, subpoenas and warnings to officials. They treat noncitizen registration as a real problem that Democrats and courts are obstructing, and cite the numbers of people charged or flagged.
“OPERATION PROTECT THE VOTE 28 foreign nationals were charged in criminal complaints with federal crimes”Department of Justice on X
“That thing that never happens . . . keeps happening: Noncitizens voting in US elections.”New York Post Opinion
“If you do not have secure elections, you do not have a country.”The White House on X
- Puts first
- charges against foreign nationals and the 20,000-name list
- Says less about
- Court findings that the government's lists contained errors; Rulings that the Justice Department's actions likely violated the Voting Rights Act
Each source’s words (5)
- “OPERATION PROTECT THE VOTE 28 foreign nationals were charged in criminal complaints with federal crimes” — Department of Justice on X
- “If you do not have secure elections, you do not have a country.” — The White House on X
- “That thing that never happens . . . keeps happening: Noncitizens voting in US elections.” — New York Post Opinion
- “At least 20,000 suspected noncitizens are registered to vote in California. We have the receipts and presented them in court.” — RedState
- “They would rather let noncitizens vote illegally in our country than take simple actions to secure our elections!” — Speaker Mike Johnson on X
🔒 Claims that Trump is trying to steal or rig the midterms
🔒 A cost-of-living election, which these sources say has turned against Republicans
🔒 Doubts about the polls and a Democratic agenda, as these sources tell it
🔒 Election officials bracing for federal interference
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“Says less about” is shown only where we checked every source listed and found the topic absent.
Where the coverage agrees
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What each outlet chose to include. Different isn’t wrong.
How the framing changed, week by week
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What the photos show
The lead photo of each article, as its publisher chose it. The description is ours, written by AI from the photo; the caption and credit are the publisher’s.
The Globe and Mail · What to know about the 2026 U.S. midterm elections original ↗
Shows: In a large hall, several people sit at a long table with voting machines, while others stand nearby.
Caption: “Voters check in on the second day of early voting ahead of the midterm elections, at a polling place at DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds in Wheaton, Ill., Sept. 25.” Photo: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP/Getty Images
AP · Trump heads to Mississippi as the two parties prepare for final sprint ahead of midterm Election Day original ↗
Shows: A man in a dark suit walks down a red carpet with his fist raised.
Slate · Trump’s Attempt to Tilt the Midterms Is Working—Against Republicans original ↗
Shows: Two men in dark suits and ties stand side by side against a teal background, rendered in red duotone.
Photo: illustration by Slate. Photos by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images and Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.
The New Republic · Angry Trump Unravels as Brutal New Early Voting Data Rattles Even MAGA original ↗
Shows: A close-up of an older man with light blond hair in a dark navy suit and white collar.
CBC News · These midterm races will decide who controls U.S. Congress for the rest of Trump's presidency original ↗
Shows: A white domed building with columns and a statue on top rises against a clear blue sky.
Caption: “The U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3, will determine which party controls Congress for U.S. President Donald Trump's final two years in office. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, along with 35 of the Senate's 100 seats. (Mariam Zuhaib/The Associated Press)” Photo: Mariam Zuhaib/The Associated Press
UPI · Judge rejects DOJ effort to remove 20K California mail-in ballots original ↗
Caption: “A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a Trump administration request for an emergency temporary restraining order to force California to remove more than 20,000 mail-in ballots. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo”
AFP · Trump tamed after US midterms? Europe doubts it original ↗
Shows: Three flags hang side by side: two American stars-and-stripes flags flank a blue flag with a circle of yellow stars.
Caption: “Ahead of the midterms, US President Donald Trump rattled Europe bylashing out at Ukraine and cosying up to Russia © Nicolas TUCAT / AFP/File”
Reason · Trump Hands Alliant Energy $5.1 Billion in Loans Ahead of Key Midterm Races in Iowa and Wisconsin original ↗
Shows: An illustration of a factory with two red-and-white striped smokestacks releasing white smoke.
Caption: “An illustration of a power plant sitting on top of a stack of cash against a blue background”
NBC News · DOJ subpoenas local election officials over claims of noncitizen voting in California original ↗
Shows: Two people stand at a row of gray voting booths; a man holds a paper sheet.
Caption: “The new subpoenas follow a federal judge’s ruling Wednesday to deny the Trump administration’s request to segregate 20,000 mail ballots from alleged noncitizens in California. David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty”
CBS News · Judge orders DOJ to stop trying to "intimidate" and "threaten" California election officials original ↗
Shows: Gloved hands hold white envelopes printed 'Official Absentee Ballot' while a box labeled 'United States Postal' with 'Warning' sits nearby.
Christian Science Monitor · As Trump seeks influence in midterms, election officials focus on security original ↗
Shows: A worker in a blue jacket and cap carries papers past a row of voting booths.
Christian Science Monitor · Corruption rises near the top of voter concerns – a rare midterm twist original ↗
Shows: A man in a dark suit, white shirt.
The Federalist · The Democrats’ ‘Affordability’ Plan Is To Expand Welfare And Punish Elon Musk original ↗
Shows: A man in a dark suit and white open-collared shirt speaks beside stacked boxes and packaged food.
Caption: “Image Credit CBS/YouTube”
UPI · California election workers get subpoenas from federal officials original ↗
Caption: “California election staff have been subpoenaed by the federal government threatening criminal action if they don't set aside certain ballots. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo”
Fox News · Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ's threats against election workers ahead of 2026 midterms original ↗
Shows: A man in a navy suit, white shirt and red tie gestures with one hand on a grassy lawn.
Caption: “President Donald Trump's administration was temporarily barred by a federal judge from threatening election workers with criminal prosecution over ballots tied to suspected noncitizens. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)”
New York Post · Dems try to ride blue wave to flood Congress in final midterm blitz original ↗
Shows: Split image: left, a bearded man in a white shirt and wristwatch gestures with one hand; right.
New York Post Opinion · As noncitizen voting keeps happening, Dems keep arguing ‘shut up!’ original ↗
Shows: A voting booth with a white panel showing an American flag, the word 'VOTE' in blue, and small flag graphics.
Caption: “An American flag decorates a privacy booth at a polling station during the first day of early voting for the midterm elections in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Americans voting in the Nov. 3 midterm elections will decide who controls Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency, along with dozens of governorships and thousands of state offices.” Photo: AFP via Getty Images
HuffPost · Ex-Trump Official Warns About 'Messy' Post-Midterms: 'The Signal Has Now Been Sent' original ↗
Shows: A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a dark jacket over a black shirt.
NewsNation · Early voting tops 51 million nationwide as turnout surges in key battlegrounds original ↗
Shows: A woman with gray hair stands at a black voting booth with a paper ballot.
Salon · Trump DOJ’s California noncitizen voter list riddled with errors original ↗
Shows: Close-up of a printed page reading 'California Trusted Info' beside an illustrated ballot box with a red checkmark, stars.
Common Dreams · Federal Judge Shuts Down Trump DOJ Threats to Prosecute Election Officials original ↗
Shows: A woman stands at a table with an "I Voted" privacy booth and a "Completed to Scanner" sign.
The Guardian (US) · More than 50m Americans cast ballots in early voting with three days to go before midterms original ↗
Shows: A man in a black cap and grey hoodie leans over a red-framed voting booth marked 'VOTE' with flag graphics.
AP · Kamala Harris urges a 'too big to rig' turnout for the midterms and tees off on Trump original ↗
Shows: A woman in a dark suit with her mouth open reaches out to a crowd.
France 24 · 'Atmosphere of fear': Trump moves to curtail voting rights ahead of the midterms original ↗
Shows: A man in a navy suit.
Caption: “US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Sioux Gateway Airport, in Sioux City, Iowa, on October 22, 2026. © Alex Brandon, AP”
ABC News (Australia) · US midterm election officials prepare for ICE agents at polls and Trump interference original ↗
Shows: A bearded man wearing glasses, a navy blazer.
Caption: “Election official Paul López says his team is prepared for voter intimidation at the polls.” Photo: ( Four Corners: Ryan Sheridan )
CBC News · Canada is in the U.S. midterm spotlight. Will the results be a blessing or a curse? original ↗
Shows: A man in a dark suit and blue tie sits at a table with white and pink flowers.
Caption: “U.S. President Donald Trump looks toward Prime Minister Mark Carney at a working dinner in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Oct 29, 2025. Washington's relationship with Ottawa is getting an unusual amount of attention heading into next week's midterm elections. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)” Photo: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Fox News · Everything to know about House and Senate control, ballot measures and 2026 Election Day poll closing original ↗
Shows: People stand in a line at left while several people stand behind white voting booths marked 'VOTE' with American flags.
Caption: “Voters across the country will cast ballots on Election Day. (Rawpixel/Getty Images)”
The Hill · RNC chair says Republicans have voter turnout problem original ↗
Shows: A man in a navy suit and blue polka-dot tie speaks at a dark podium with arms outstretched.
The Daily Caller · Americans’ Disapproval Of Trump, Economy Loom Over Midterm Elections original ↗
The Daily Caller · DOJ Warns State Election Officials That Failing To Preserve Records Federal Crime original ↗
Shows: Three white voting booths with blue frames and 'VOTE HERE' signs stand in a gym.
The Guardian (US) · Affordability top of mind for voters in final sprint to midterms: ‘I have to pick between medicine or groceries’ original ↗
Shows: Several people in yellow shirts hold handmade signs reading 'Bright Idea Help Us Afford Lights', 'Stop Corporate Greed'.
The Guardian (US) · The Guardian view on the US midterms and election interference: Trump’s attempted heist is already under way original ↗
Shows: A man with light hair looks out from the rear window of a dark car.
Caption: “‘The January 6 insurrection showed how acute the peril to American democracy had become. It is more so now.’ Photograph: Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock”
Al Jazeera · More than 50 million votes cast in US midterm elections: What does it mean? original ↗
Shows: A voting booth with a poster reading 'VOTE' beside an American flag.
Caption: “A person casts an early ballot at the Hamilton County Board of Elections in Norwood, Ohio [File: Samuel Corum/Pool via Reuters]”
AP · Justice Department urges sanctions for database analysis critical of its noncitizen voting claims original ↗
AFP · Trump's Republicans scramble to stop Democratic midterms wave original ↗
Shows: A red sign reading "VOTE HERE" with an arrow points along a sidewalk where three people stand.
Caption: “Voters in Charlotte, North Carolina are joining the record 54 million Americans casting early ballots in the midterm elections © AM STEWART / AFP”
The Hill · The 5 biggest questions hanging over Election Day original ↗
Shows: Two people walk past a hedge; a 'VOTE' sign with a red arrow sits in front.
Caption: “People walk from the Office of the Supervisor of Elections during early voting in the 2026 midterm elections, Oct. 27, 2026, in Doral, Fla.” Photo: Lynne Sladky, Associated Press
Washington Times · Trump takes California case to Supreme Court in last-ditch bid to block suspected noncitizen ballots original ↗
Breitbart · From ‘Smurfing’ to ‘Granny Farming’: Report Exposes 50+ Election Integrity Threats Before 2026 Midterms original ↗
Shows: A hand holds a blue pen over a paper on a small table beside a phone, mug, and yellow sheet.
Caption: “Joyce King, 81, receives a new ballot from Elizabeth Reingold, a volunteer with Working Families Power, at her nursing home on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 in South Philadelphia. King's initial ballot was flagged for not having a signature, so Reingold helped facilitate a new one for her. Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty” Photo: Joe Lamberti for The Washington Post via Getty
The Daily Beast · Trump Humiliated in Final Brutal Polls Before Election Day original ↗
Shows: A close-up of an older man with light blond hair in a navy suit, white shirt and red tie, speaking.
TheBlaze · The case for optimism on Election Day original ↗
Shows: A cartoon grey elephant and a brown donkey, both in boxing gloves and red, white, and blue striped shorts.
Al Jazeera · How the president’s party has fared in every US midterm election since 1946 original ↗
Shows: A grid of fifteen formal portraits shows men in dark suits and ties, many posed in front of American flags.
Caption: “[Getty Images]”
Deutsche Welle · Trump asks Supreme Court to block 20,000 California midterm ballots original ↗
Shows: A hand with tattoos holds a white election mail envelope with an 'I VOTED' sticker.
Caption: “Early voting has been underway in California since October” Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP
Deutsche Welle · What might Trump have planned for Iran following the midterm election? original ↗
Shows: Several microphones and reporters' arms reach toward men in dark suits standing under a cloudy sky, shown mostly in silhouette.
Caption: “The Reuters news agency cited three senior Iranian officials and an additional source as saying that Iran has deliberately prolonged talks to weaken Trump politically” Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP
ABC News (Australia) · Rising cost of living to hit heavily at US midterms as bill shocks rattle Americans original ↗
Shows: Two coffee machines have hoppers labelled 'ESPRESSO' and 'DEPRESSO', with a handwritten 'FILL LINE' arrow on the right.
Caption: “The decaffeinated coffee beans at a US cafe sum up how its customers feel about the rising cost of living.” Photo: ( ABC News: Richard Mockler )
Euronews · Trump rallies in Iowa and Kansas in final push as Democratic divisions shake up Michigan original ↗
Caption: “US President Donald Trump walks from the podium after speaking at a campaign rally at Salina, 1 November, 2026” Photo: AP Photo
Al Jazeera · US petrol prices dip ahead of midterms as voters eye costs original ↗
Shows: A tall BP gas station price sign shows Regular Cash at 4.89 9/10, Regular Credit at 4.99 9/10.
Caption: “Petrol prices averaged $3.46 per gallon for the first half of US President Donald Trump's second term [File: Edgar Su/Reuters]”
All the coverage, by day
Every article and post we read (63)
2026-10-19
The Globe and Mail · What to know about the 2026 U.S. midterm elections original ↗
2026-10-20
Department of Justice on X (US government) · OPERATION PROTECT THE VOTE 28 foreign nationals were charged in criminal complaints with federal crimes, including… original ↗
2026-10-23
Speaker Mike Johnson on X (US government) · I’ve been sounding the alarms that the polls are WRONG — and the evidence is now piling up! original ↗
2026-10-24
Leader Hakeem Jeffries on X (US government) · Early voting begins today in New York.
2026-10-26
UPI · Trump announces $1M reward for reporting voter fraud original ↗
AP · Trump heads to Mississippi as the two parties prepare for final sprint ahead of midterm Election Day original ↗
The White House on X (US government) · If you do not have secure elections, you do not have a country. original ↗
The White House on X (US government) · "Anybody reporting Voter Fraud in the past Elections, or the upcoming 2026 Midterm Election, will be paid $1,000,000… original ↗
Leader Chuck Schumer on X (US government) · Found it @RealDonaldTrump – where’s my $1 million? original ↗
2026-10-27
Slate · Trump’s Attempt to Tilt the Midterms Is Working—Against Republicans original ↗
The New Republic · Angry Trump Unravels as Brutal New Early Voting Data Rattles Even MAGA original ↗
Department of Justice on X (US government) · PSA: Election Day is ONE WEEK away! original ↗
CBC News · These midterm races will decide who controls U.S. Congress for the rest of Trump's presidency original ↗
2026-10-28
Axios · Republicans fear "red scream" could depress GOP voter turnout original ↗
UPI · Judge rejects DOJ effort to remove 20K California mail-in ballots original ↗
Department of Homeland Security on X (US government) · Every American voter has the right to know that their vote counts. original ↗
Speaker Mike Johnson on X (US government) · Democrats have made their position clear: ✖️NO to voter ID ✖️NO to proof you are American ✖️NO to election security… original ↗
AFP · Trump tamed after US midterms? Europe doubts it original ↗
Reason · Trump Hands Alliant Energy $5.1 Billion in Loans Ahead of Key Midterm Races in Iowa and Wisconsin original ↗
2026-10-29
NewsNation · One issue, different bills: Energy costs shape key midterm races original ↗
RedState · Stuff Is Getting Real: DOJ Issues Criminal Subpoenas for CA Election Officials original ↗
2026-10-30
NBC News · DOJ subpoenas local election officials over claims of noncitizen voting in California original ↗
CBS News · Judge orders DOJ to stop trying to "intimidate" and "threaten" California election officials original ↗
Christian Science Monitor · As Trump seeks influence in midterms, election officials focus on security original ↗
Christian Science Monitor · Corruption rises near the top of voter concerns – a rare midterm twist original ↗
The Federalist · The Democrats’ ‘Affordability’ Plan Is To Expand Welfare And Punish Elon Musk original ↗
UPI · California election workers get subpoenas from federal officials original ↗
Leader Chuck Schumer on X (US government) · Donald Trump wants to steal the midterms. original ↗
2026-10-31
NPR · Election officials worry about DOJ monitoring of Tuesday's vote original ↗
Fox News · Federal judge blocks Trump DOJ's threats against election workers ahead of 2026 midterms original ↗
New York Post · Dems try to ride blue wave to flood Congress in final midterm blitz original ↗
New York Post Opinion · As noncitizen voting keeps happening, Dems keep arguing ‘shut up!’ original ↗
HuffPost · Ex-Trump Official Warns About 'Messy' Post-Midterms: 'The Signal Has Now Been Sent' original ↗
NewsNation · Early voting tops 51 million nationwide as turnout surges in key battlegrounds original ↗
Salon · Trump DOJ’s California noncitizen voter list riddled with errors original ↗
Common Dreams · Federal Judge Shuts Down Trump DOJ Threats to Prosecute Election Officials original ↗
The Guardian (US) · More than 50m Americans cast ballots in early voting with three days to go before midterms original ↗
AP · Kamala Harris urges a 'too big to rig' turnout for the midterms and tees off on Trump original ↗
France 24 · 'Atmosphere of fear': Trump moves to curtail voting rights ahead of the midterms original ↗
ABC News (Australia) · US midterm election officials prepare for ICE agents at polls and Trump interference original ↗
CBC News · Canada is in the U.S. midterm spotlight. Will the results be a blessing or a curse? original ↗
Leader Hakeem Jeffries on X (US government) · House Democrats are focused on groceries, gas and goods. original ↗
2026-11-01
Fox News · Everything to know about House and Senate control, ballot measures and 2026 Election Day poll closing original ↗
The Hill · RNC chair says Republicans have voter turnout problem original ↗
The Daily Caller · Americans’ Disapproval Of Trump, Economy Loom Over Midterm Elections original ↗
The Daily Caller · DOJ Warns State Election Officials That Failing To Preserve Records Federal Crime original ↗
The Guardian (US) · Affordability top of mind for voters in final sprint to midterms: ‘I have to pick between medicine or groceries’ original ↗
The Guardian (US) · The Guardian view on the US midterms and election interference: Trump’s attempted heist is already under way original ↗
Al Jazeera · More than 50 million votes cast in US midterm elections: What does it mean? original ↗
AP · Justice Department urges sanctions for database analysis critical of its noncitizen voting claims original ↗
AFP · Trump's Republicans scramble to stop Democratic midterms wave original ↗
2026-11-02
The Hill · The 5 biggest questions hanging over Election Day original ↗
Washington Times · Trump takes California case to Supreme Court in last-ditch bid to block suspected noncitizen ballots original ↗
Breitbart · From ‘Smurfing’ to ‘Granny Farming’: Report Exposes 50+ Election Integrity Threats Before 2026 Midterms original ↗
The Daily Beast · Trump Humiliated in Final Brutal Polls Before Election Day original ↗
TheBlaze · The case for optimism on Election Day original ↗
Al Jazeera · How the president’s party has fared in every US midterm election since 1946 original ↗
Deutsche Welle · Trump asks Supreme Court to block 20,000 California midterm ballots original ↗
Deutsche Welle · What might Trump have planned for Iran following the midterm election? original ↗
Leader Hakeem Jeffries on X (US government) · So-called Attorney General Todd Blanche and the political hacks at the Justice Department are out of control. original ↗
ABC News (Australia) · Rising cost of living to hit heavily at US midterms as bill shocks rattle Americans original ↗
Euronews · Trump rallies in Iowa and Kansas in final push as Democratic divisions shake up Michigan original ↗
Al Jazeera · US petrol prices dip ahead of midterms as voters eye costs original ↗
How we found the coverage
From our feeds: UPI, AP, Slate, The New Republic, Axios, Reason, NewsNation, RedState, NBC News, CBS News, Christian Science Monitor, The Federalist, NPR, Fox News, New York Post, New York Post Opinion, HuffPost, Salon, Common Dreams, The Guardian (US), The Hill, The Daily Caller, Al Jazeera, Washington Times, Breitbart, The Daily Beast, TheBlaze, Deutsche Welle.
From the /government feed: Department of Justice on X, Speaker Mike Johnson on X, Leader Hakeem Jeffries on X, The White House on X, Leader Chuck Schumer on X, Department of Homeland Security on X.
From a web search: The Globe and Mail, CBC News, AFP, France 24, ABC News (Australia), Euronews.
Each item was kept only after a check that it is about this story. Wire copies that other outlets ran word for word are named and counted once. Sources are grouped by kind (US outlets, international outlets, wire services, the US government), not by any rating of the outlets. The summary and the descriptions of each telling are written by AI from the coverage; every quote is checked against the source’s own words. A source’s name and each article’s title link to our analysis of it where we have one; “original ↗” opens the publisher’s page.