59 Million Voted Early in Midterm Referendum on Trump

Voters across the United States cast ballots on Tuesday in legislative races that will determine which party controls the House and potentially the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term. The outcome will shape the balance of power in Washington, with Democrats seeking to capitalize on economic frustration and Republicans aiming to defend their current majorities.

Early voting numbers indicate high engagement, with more than 59 million Americans casting ballots before Tuesday, according to an Associated Press analysis. This figure surpasses early vote totals from the 2022 midterms. The Associated Press Voter Poll found that roughly three-quarters of voters describe themselves as angry or dissatisfied with the country’s direction. Approximately 80% of voters reported that inflation has caused moderate to severe financial difficulty in their households, citing rising costs for gasoline and food.

In the Senate, Democrats need a net gain of four seats out of 100 to secure a majority. Key battlegrounds include Ohio, where former Senator Sherrod Brown challenges Senator Jon Husted, and North Carolina, where the race remains competitive. In the House, Democrats require only a net gain of three seats out of 435 to flip control. Initial results show Democratic Senator Mark Warner reelected in Virginia and Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz securing a new Florida seat following redistricting changes.

President Trump told Fox News Channel on Tuesday that inflation is resolved, despite the Department of Commerce reporting a 3.6% year-over-year increase in consumer prices in September. He urged voters to act as if his name were on the ballot, a strategy aimed at mobilizing Republicans in states he won by wide margins in 2024. Republican campaign spending reflected this focus, with 88.1% of television ad spend directed at states and districts where Trump won in the previous election. This included over $850 million in ad reserves in districts where he won by 10 points or more.

Local officials managed logistical challenges on Election Day. In Westchester County, New York, paper ballots were placed in emergency bags for later counting due to machine issues. In Raleigh, North Carolina, library director James Moore voted for Democrats, citing higher taxes and medical costs under Trump’s budget. In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, voter Mark Barker supported Republicans, praising Trump’s promise of a $5,000 payment to every adult if his party retains congressional control.

Thirty-six states also hold gubernatorial elections, with Democrats seeking their first majority of governorships in two decades. Contests in Texas, Florida, and Iowa are particularly close. The Justice Department has filed lawsuits in Alaska and California regarding election certification, while Democrats warn of potential interference. If Democrats take either chamber of Congress, they plan to launch investigations into figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former advisor Elon Musk.