Midterm Elections 2026: Polls Close by Midnight ET

In the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, 35 Senate seats, 36 governor races, and all 435 House seats are up for grabs, along with numerous ballot measures on issues like election administration and abortion access.

Democrats aim to reclaim control of both chambers, needing four Senate seats for a 51-vote majority and at least 218 House seats to take back the House. Republicans seek to maintain their majority despite challenges from Trump-era policies and a national affordability crisis.

Polls begin closing at 6pm ET in Indiana and Kentucky, with some locations in those states remaining open until 7pm ET. By 7pm ET, polls close in six states, including Florida and Georgia, where key Senate races are underway.

In Florida, progressive Democrat Angie Nixon faces Republican Ashley Moody in a special election. In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff defends his Senate seat against Trump-endorsed Mike Collins. South Carolina’s Darline Graham, appointed to finish her brother’s term, faces Annie Andrews. In New Hampshire, former senator John Sununu challenges Chris Pappas for an open Senate seat.

At 7:30pm ET, polls close in North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. In North Carolina, former governor Roy Cooper faces Michael Whatley for an open Senate seat. In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown seeks to unseat Jon Husted in a special election centered on data centers.

By 8pm ET, polls close in 19 states and the District of Columbia, including Alabama, Connecticut, and Michigan. Key Senate races include Democrat Abdul El-Sayed vs. Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan, where holding the state is vital for Democrats. In Maine, progressive Troy Jackson challenges Susan Collins for Senate. In Texas, James Talarico faces Ken Paxton in a race that could mark the first Democratic statewide win in over 30 years.

At 8:30pm ET, polls close in Arkansas. By 9pm ET, polls close in Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with competitive races in Arizona’s sixth congressional district and Iowa’s open Senate seat. In New York, polls close as voters decide on several key races.

At 10pm ET, polls close in Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Utah, with Nevada’s gubernatorial race between Democrat Aaron Ford and Republican Joe Lombardo drawing attention. At 11pm ET, polls close in California and Oregon, with former health secretary Xavier Becerra facing Steve Hilton in California’s gubernatorial race.

Finally, by midnight ET, polls close in Alaska and Hawaii, where former congresswoman Mary Peltola faces Republican Dan Sullivan in a key Senate race as voters grapple with the aftermath of the Iran war and rising energy prices.