Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Midterm elections take place every two years in the United States, occurring halfway through a president’s four-year term. They are called “midterms” because they fall in the middle of a presidential term.
During midterm elections, voters choose all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of the House serve two-year terms, which means every seat is on the ballot. Voters also elect about one-third of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate. Senators serve six-year terms, and their elections are staggered so that roughly a third of the chamber is chosen every two years.
In addition to federal offices, many states hold elections for governor during midterm years. Numerous state legislators, county officials, judges, and city leaders may also appear on the ballot, depending on the state and local election calendar.
Midterm elections are significant because they can change which political party controls Congress. If one party wins a majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate, it gains the ability to control the legislative agenda in that chamber. This includes deciding which bills receive votes, overseeing committee investigations, and, in the Senate, confirming or rejecting presidential nominations.
Political analysts often describe midterm elections as a public assessment of the sitting president’s performance. Historically, the president’s party has frequently lost seats in Congress during midterm elections. Because of this pattern, midterms are closely watched as an indicator of public satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The level of attention surrounding midterm elections has increased in recent years as political divisions have deepened. When control of Congress is closely divided, even a small number of seats can determine which party holds the majority. That majority can influence national policy on issues such as taxes, federal spending, immigration, healthcare, and other legislative priorities.
Midterm elections are held on Election Day in even-numbered years, on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Although they do not include a presidential race, the outcomes can significantly affect the balance of power in Washington and across state governments for the remainder of a president’s term.
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