The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch

In this file photo, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a campaign rally on Aug. 31, 2026 in Kerrville, Texas. Labor Day often marks the unofficial kickoff of general election campaigning. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.

Republicans hold narrow majorities in the House and the Senate, and the party in power tends to lose ground in the midterms. But 2026 primary results and public opinion polling heading into Labor Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff of the general election season, paint potential pictures of Republicans losing control of both chambers of Congress and suffering defeats in traditionally conservative communities.

Voters have expressed concern over major priorities of the Trump administration, such as the war in Iran and immigration, tariffs and gas prices and the overall affordability of American life. The president's approval ratings have sunk to record lows as polls also show voters see a disconnect between their top issues and what Trump seems to be focused on, like the White House ballroom construction project.

Democrats, fresh off of stinging losses in the 2024 election up and down the ballot, have rebounded with their voting base and independents unhappy with the status quo.

The looming campaign for control of Congress saw states controlled by Democrats and Republicans enact mid-decade redistricting in hopes of maximizing the number of safe seats for their party.

Still, polling averages — which are a snapshot in time — suggest the likeliest outcome is that Democrats take control of the House, as more voters say they would prefer to have a Democrat represent them in Congress than a Republican.

At the start of the year, Democrats' path to winning a Senate majority looked tenuous, as states like Georgia and North Carolina were just a few of the expensive tossup races expected in what is a favorable set of contests on the map for Republicans.