Politics
Early voting surges as Congress control hangs in balance before Election Day
Record early voting precedes Election Day as Republicans defend narrow House and Senate majorities.
The short version
- Early voting has set a midterm record, with more than 54 million ballots cast, according to The Associated Press.[Fox News]
- Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, so Democrats need a net gain of four seats to regain control.[Fox News]
- Republicans hold a razor-thin House majority, and Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reach 218.[Fox News]
- President Donald Trump predicts Republicans will hold both chambers for the final two years of his presidency.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, so Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take it.[Fox News]
- Republicans hold a razor-thin House majority, and Democrats need a net gain of three seats to reach 218.[Fox News]
- More than 54 million early ballots have been cast, according to The Associated Press, shattering previous midterm records.[Fox News]
- PBS NewsHour reported that more than 57 million Americans had already cast ballots ahead of Election Day.[PBS NewsHour]
- President Donald Trump predicts Republicans will hold the House and Senate for the final two years of his presidency.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Early-vote totals conflict across reports, with one citing more than 57 million and another citing more than 54 million ballots.[Fox News · PBS NewsHour]
- Trump's prediction that Republicans will hold both chambers is a forecast, not an election result.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.