US midterms on 3 November: what is at stake at home and abroad

Mixed · 2The US midterm elections take place on 3 November 2026, with President Donald Trump not on the ballot. 1 2 Mixed · 2All 435 House seats are up for election, along with 35 of the 100 Senate seats (including special elections in Ohio and Florida) and 39 governorships, according to The Hindu; Gulf News gives the Senate share as roughly a third. 2 1 Left · 1Republicans hold a narrow House majority and 53 Senate seats, so Democrats need a net gain of four in the Senate, The Hindu writes. It cites Cook Political Report forecasts that Democrats will gain five to 15 House seats, and says the Senate is closer. 2

Left · 1The Hindu says Trump has made the election about himself: the Republicans held a first-ever midterm convention in Dallas built around him, and he is touring at least 17 states and telling supporters to "pretend I'm on the ballot". It puts his approval at about 30%, with registered voters preferring Democrats for Congress by around eight points. 2 Centre · 1Gulf News also notes that Trump is hosting rallies and argues that he needs his party to win big to keep momentum behind his agenda, even though he stays in the White House for two more years whatever happens. 1 Centre · 1Gulf News argues the result matters globally because Congress writes America's budgets, shapes trade rules, approves treaties and funds commitments abroad. It says that if Republicans lose control, Trump will face more challenges at home with a knock-on effect internationally. 1

Centre · 1Its piece points to the dollar's role in global trade and energy markets, and to tariffs and fiscal decisions that ripple outward. It also points to Congress's part in setting rules on AI, semiconductors and data infrastructure, and to legislative support for aid, climate finance and global health. 1 Centre · 1Gulf News presents the UAE's long-standing relationship with the US as an example of stability that has endured across administrations of both parties. It says the world should not try to influence the vote, which belongs to American voters, but should follow it with interest. 1 Left · 1The Hindu names five dominant issues: the cost of living, the unpopular war with Iran launched with Israel in late February 2026, immigration raids, Medicaid cuts, and crime, which it calls the Republicans' strongest card. 2

Left · 1The Hindu also reports fears about the conduct of the vote. It says Trump has pushed for proof of citizenship to register, urged mid-decade redistricting and called on Republicans to "take over" voting in some places, and has not ruled out sending immigration agents or the National Guard to polling stations. It adds that officials say immigration agents will not patrol polling places, and that Trump said he would accept a defeat if the elections are honest. 2 Left · 1For India, The Hindu's author, a retired brigadier and Takshashila Institution fellow, says US tariffs rose to 50% in 2025 before a February framework cut them to 18%, though the interim deal is unsigned. He adds that Trump signed a law on 18 September allowing tariffs of up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian energy, and that a $1,00,000 fee on new H-1B visas adds to the strain. 2 Left · 1The Hindu's author concludes that a Democratic House could ease treatment of Indian students and workers and press to end the Iran war, but is unlikely to change the tariffs or the Russia law. He says New Delhi should expect the relationship to be decided in the White House whoever controls Congress. 2

Left · 1The Hindu also highlights the Ohio governor's race, where Republican Vivek Ramaswamy trails Democrat Amy Acton by six and nine points in two polls. It reports hostility toward his Indian heritage and Hindu faith. 2