Midterm elections are held every two years, in even-numbered years between presidential elections. They're called "midterms" because they occur at the midpoint of a president's four-year term.
What's on the Ballot
All 435 House seats are up for election. About one-third of Senate seats are also on the ballot, since senators serve six-year staggered terms.
Why Turnout Is Lower
Voter turnout in midterms is consistently lower than in presidential elections. Presidential races draw casual voters; midterms attract a more engaged, partisan electorate.
The "Referendum on the President" Dynamic
Since World War II, the president's party has lost House seats in every midterm except 1998 and 2002. The average loss is around 25 seats — enough to flip chamber control.
The Next Midterm
The next midterm election is November 3, 2026. All 435 House seats will be contested, along with 33 Senate seats.