2026 midterm elections: Senate and House control markets
The 2026 midterm elections are on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters choose all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats: the 33 regular seats plus special elections in Florida and Ohio. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats; Democrats hold 45, and 2 independents caucus with them. Markets on Kalshi and Polymarket US let you trade which party controls each chamber.
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Short answer
The 2026 midterm elections are on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters choose all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats: the 33 regular seats plus special elections in Florida and Ohio. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats; Democrats hold 45, and 2 independents caucus with them. Markets on Kalshi and Polymarket US let you trade which party controls each chamber.
We earn a commission if you sign up through these offers. 21+.
Kalshi: Trade $25 and Get $25!
RANKPREDICTSCertain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Last checked November 9, 2026
What is on the ballot
- House: all 435 seats. A party needs 218 seats for a majority.
- Senate: 35 seats. 22 are held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats. The specials replace JD Vance (Ohio) and Marco Rubio (Florida), who left the Senate to join the administration.
- Governors and state races: see our state sites.
For each chamber in detail, read what 218 seats means for House control and the seats and races that decide the Senate.
Which markets are listed
Party control of the Senate, party control of the House, the combined "balance of power" outcome, and single races. Listings differ by app, so check each one.
After November 3: how they settle
Some markets settle on a call by news organisations, others on certified results, so payouts can come days or weeks apart. Close races and recounts can delay settlement. Read our guide to how election markets settle (opens in a new tab).
Key dates
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- The new Congress (the 120th) begins at noon on January 3, 2027 (Twentieth Amendment).
For the day-by-day schedule, see our election week 2026 calendar.
Sources
- US Senate, Senators (composition 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats, 2 independents) (opens in a new tab) and Class II senators (33 seats) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Office of the Clerk, US House members (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- US Constitution, Twentieth Amendment (opens in a new tab)
- Polymarket US, U.S. Senate Midterm Winner rules
- Polymarket US, U.S. House Midterm Winner rules
Checked October 21, 2026; Polymarket US rules re-read October 27, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When are the 2026 midterms?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
How many Senate seats are up in 2026?
35: the 33 regular seats and special elections in Florida and Ohio.
What does each party need for control?
In the House, 218 of 435 seats. In the Senate, 51 seats, or 50 plus the Vice President's tie-breaking vote.
Can I trade the midterms from my state?
Kalshi and Polymarket US list midterm markets for US users. Availability depends on your state: check your state's status.
21+ · T&Cs apply · Terms
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.