US midterm election campaigns intensify as early voting turnout surges
With three days remaining before the 2026 US midterm elections, both major parties are intensifying their final campaign efforts. National polling averages indicate a lead for the Democratic Party, while early voting data shows significant increases in participation compared to the 2022 midterms. President Donald Trump has reinstated previously cancelled campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa, aiming to mobilize Republican voters in competitive regions.
Key points
- National polling averages show Democrats leading Republicans by 8.2 percentage points.
- Early voting has reached over 43 million ballots cast nationwide, nearly 10 million more than at the same point in 2022.
- President Donald Trump reversed a decision to cancel rallies in Kansas and Iowa, scheduling them for Sunday.
- Competitive Senate races remain a focal point, with analysts noting that while the House may lean toward a Democratic flip, the Senate remains uncertain.
- A dispute in Alaska involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan has drawn Department of Justice attention.
What happened
As the November 3, 2026, Election Day approaches, both parties are executing final campaign strategies. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will proceed with rallies in Kansas and Iowa on Sunday, reversing a previous decision to cancel them in favor of telephone events. Meanwhile, early voting has seen a substantial surge, with over 43 million ballots already cast according to an Associated Press analysis.
Who said what
Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia Center for Politics stated that while House polling suggests a likely Democratic flip, the Senate remains highly competitive. President Trump, speaking at a rally in Florida, urged supporters to vote, warning against overconfidence. Democratic strategist Celinda Lake noted that many voters are seeking change, while former President Bill Clinton campaigned in Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout.
Regarding the Alaska Senate race, President Trump alleged that Democrats recruited an independent candidate with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan to confuse voters. Democratic nominee Mary Peltola has denied any involvement in such an effort.
Context
The 2026 midterms feature several key toss-up races that will determine control of the Senate. Early voting data shows a 50 percent increase in Texas compared to 2022, and significant turnout growth in states including Georgia, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Kansas. Despite the high early participation, analysts caution that these figures do not indicate which candidates voters have selected.
What happens next
Candidates are focusing on final campaign events through the weekend. President Trump is scheduled for rallies in Iowa and Kansas, while other high-profile figures, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are participating in campaign events across various states. Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Why it matters
Early voting turnout has significantly outpaced 2022 levels, though it remains unclear how these ballots will impact the final results in competitive Senate races.
What we know
- Democrats lead Republicans by 8.2 percentage points in the RealClearPolling national congressional ballot average (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
- More than 43 million Americans had voted early as of five days before Election Day (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
- President Donald Trump reversed his decision to cancel two weekend campaign rallies in Kansas and Iowa (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
- Early voting in Texas increased by 50 percent compared to the same period in 2022 (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
What remains unclear
- The extent to which the Democratic lead in national polling will translate into a shift in control for the Senate remains uncertain (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
- The allegation that Democrats recruited an independent candidate in Alaska to confuse voters is disputed (c8beeda7-07fc-453a-a997-7dc5a8cfb569).
How the story developed
Latest polling and early voting data released
Reports indicate Democrats lead in national polling and early voting has surpassed 43 million ballots cast.
Original source
