2026 Congressional Election Timeline & Key Dates
Last updated: January 15, 2026
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, helping you stay informed and prepared to vote.
What's on the Ballot in 2026
House of Representatives: All 435 Seats
Every House seat is up for election in 2026. House members serve 2-year terms, so voters in every congressional district will choose their representative.
Senate: 33 Seats (Class II)
Approximately one-third of the Senate (33 seats from Class II) will be elected in 2026. Senators serve 6-year terms with staggered elections.
Check our 2026 elections page to see which senators are up for election.
2026 Election Timeline
January - March 2026
Campaign Season Begins
- Candidates announce campaigns and begin fundraising
- Filing deadlines for candidates to appear on primary ballots (varies by state)
- Early campaign events, debates, and town halls
March - September 2026
Primary Elections
Primary elections determine which candidates from each party advance to the November general election. Primary dates vary significantly by state:
- Early primaries (March-May): Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania
- Summer primaries (June-August): California, New Jersey, Virginia, Wisconsin
- Late primaries (September): Delaware, New Hampshire, Rhode Island
Voter Action:
- Check your state's primary date and registration requirements
- Some states have "closed primaries" (only registered party members can vote)
- Others have "open primaries" (any registered voter can participate)
September - Early November 2026
General Election Campaign Intensifies
- General election candidates confirmed after primaries
- Debates between major party candidates
- Heavy campaign advertising and fundraising
- Voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote efforts
Voter Action (Critical Deadlines):
- Voter registration deadlines: Typically 15-30 days before Election Day (varies by state). Some states offer same-day registration.
- Mail-in ballot requests: Many states require requests 1-2 weeks before Election Day
- Early voting begins: Most states offer early in-person voting starting 2-4 weeks before Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Election Day
Federal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. In 2026, that's November 3.
- Polls typically open 6-7 AM and close 7-8 PM (varies by state and county)
- If you're in line when polls close, you can still vote
- Bring valid ID if required by your state
- Find your polling place at vote.gov
Results Timeline:
- Election night: Most results reported within hours, but close races may take days
- Mail-in ballots: Some states count these after in-person votes, delaying final results
- Network projections: News organizations "call" races when outcomes are statistically certain
November - December 2026
Results Certification & Transition
- State certification: Each state certifies its election results (typically within 2-4 weeks)
- Recounts: Automatic or requested recounts in very close races
- Legal challenges: Any election disputes resolved in courts
- Lame-duck session: Outgoing Congress may meet for post-election business before new members are sworn in
January 3, 2027
New Congress Convenes
The 120th Congress begins at noon on January 3, 2027. Newly elected and re-elected members are sworn in.
- House elects Speaker and organizes committees
- Senate swears in newly elected senators
- Party caucuses select leadership
- Committee assignments finalized
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 |
Important Reminders
Check Your Voter Registration
Verify your registration status and find your polling place at vote.gov. Make sure your registration is current, especially if you've moved recently.
Know Your State's Rules
Voting rules vary by state:
- Voter ID requirements (photo ID, signature match, etc.)
- Early voting availability and dates
- Mail-in ballot request and return deadlines
- Same-day voter registration (available in some states)
Research the Candidates
Use nonpartisan resources like Ballotpedia or your local League of Women Voters chapter to learn about candidates' positions and backgrounds. Many news organizations also publish voter guides closer to Election Day.
Make a Voting Plan
Decide whether you'll vote early, by mail, or on Election Day. If voting in person, know your polling location and what ID (if any) you need to bring. If voting by mail, request and return your ballot well before the deadline.
Stay Informed
Track your representatives and upcoming elections:
- 2026 Elections Page - See which senators are up for election in 2026
- Interactive Map - Find your representatives and track their term end dates
- Guide to Congressional Elections - Learn about election cycles and the election process
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 approximately 33 Senate seats (Class II) are on the ballot in 2026. House members serve 2-year terms, so every seat is contested. Senators serve 6-year terms with staggered elections, so only 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.