First polls close in pivotal US midterm elections

First Polls Close in Pivotal US Midterm Elections

Voters across the United States cast their ballots on Tuesday in crucial midterm elections that will determine control of the US Congress and serve as the first major nationwide verdict on President Donald Trump’s second term. Following a full day of voting, the first polling stations began closing at 6 pm ET.

At stake in the congressional races are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. Republicans enter the elections defending a narrow majority in Congress, while Democrats are seeking to flip enough seats to regain control of both legislative chambers for the remainder of Trump's presidency.

Campaigning has largely centered on opposing economic pressures, cost-of-living concerns, and the impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, alongside a referendum on presidential policies. Early indicators for how the parties might perform began appearing in competitive districts such as Kentucky's sixth congressional district.

Vote counts will continue to roll in throughout Tuesday evening, though final results for certain races may take days or even weeks to be determined as individual states complete their tallies.