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2026 Elections
2026 U.S. Election Schedule: Calendar, Primary Dates & Midterms
The 2026 midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate for the second half of the presidential term. This timeline outlines key dates, deadlines, and what to expect throughout the election cycle.
Quick Answer
- Election Day
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- On the ballot
- All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats (33 Class II + 2 special)
- Primaries
- March through September 2026, dates vary by state
- Registration deadlines
- Mostly October 2026 — varies by state
- New Congress convenes
- Noon, January 3, 2027 (120th Congress)
What's on the Ballot in 2026
2026 Election Timeline
2026
Filing DeadlinesFundraising OpensJan–Mar: Campaign Season Begins
2026
State PrimariesVary by StateMar–Sep: Primary Elections
2026
Voter RegistrationEarly VotingSep–Nov: General Election Campaign
2026
All 435 House35 Senate SeatsNov 3: Election Day
2027
New Members Sworn InJan 3: 120th Congress Convenes
Key Dates Summary
| March - September 2026 | Primary elections (dates vary by state) |
| October 2026 | Voter registration deadlines (most states) |
| Mid-October 2026 | Early voting begins (most states) |
| November 3, 2026 | Election Day |
| November - December 2026 | Results certification |
| January 3, 2027 | 120th Congress convenes |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 congressional election?
The 2026 congressional election (midterm election) is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Federal elections are always held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
What races are on the ballot in 2026?
All 435 House of Representatives seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot in 2026 — 33 regularly scheduled Class II seats plus 2 special elections in Florida and Ohio. House members serve 2-year terms, so every seat is contested. Senators serve 6-year terms with staggered elections, so only about one-third of the Senate is elected every 2 years.
When are primary elections in 2026?
Primary election dates vary by state, ranging from March to September 2026. Early primary states include Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio (March-May). Late primary states include Delaware and New Hampshire (September). Check your state election website for your specific primary date.
What is the voter registration deadline for 2026?
Voter registration deadlines vary by state but are typically 15-30 days before Election Day (early to mid-October 2026). Some states offer same-day registration at polling places. Check vote.gov or your state election website for your specific deadline.
When does the newly elected Congress take office?
The newly elected Congress (120th Congress) convenes at noon on January 3, 2027. Members elected in November 2026 are sworn in on this date, and the House elects its Speaker and organizes committees.
Related Resources
2026 Midterm Election Countdown
Live countdown to Election Day — November 3, 2026 — and to the swearing-in of the 120th Congress.
Who Controls Congress After 2026?
Live balance of power — the Senate map, what each party needs, and results as races are called.
How to Vote in Your State
Registration deadlines, early voting, mail ballots, voter ID, and poll hours for all 50 states and D.C. — with a plan builder you can add to your calendar.
How Senate Runoffs Work
Which states require a majority to win, the December 1 runoff date, and how runoffs have decided Senate control.