Understanding US Midterm Elections and Control of Congress

The United States holds nationwide midterm elections halfway through a president's four-year term, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats at stake. The outcome serves as a de facto referendum on the administration's agenda.

Republicans currently defend a narrow 218-214 majority in the House and a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats require a net gain of just a few seats to retake the House and are striving to capture the Senate.

The results of the congressional elections directly impact federal legislative power, foreign policy, and diplomatic relations for international partners like India.