Midterm elections occur halfway through the four-year term of the U.S. President, which means they happen every two years, in the middle of the presidential term. These elections are for Congress and other state and local offices, but not for President or Vice President. The next midterm general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. On this day, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and about one-third of the 100 U.S. Senate seats (35 seats in 2026) will be contested. Many states will also have gubernatorial and other local elections on the ballot during the midterms. Primary elections for the midterms are held earlier in the year on varying dates across different states to determine party candidates. In summary:
- Midterm elections are held every four years, two years after the presidential election.
- The next midterm election date: November 3, 2026.
- All House seats and about one-third of Senate seats are up for election.
- State and local elections often coincide with midterms.
