The 2026 US midterm elections are entering their final days, with candidates across the country making their last appeals before voters head to the polls on November 3. President Donald Trump is stepping up his campaign activities, while closely contested Senate and House races are drawing national attention.
With Election Day just four days away, Republicans and Democrats are focusing on voter turnout, economic concerns and control of Congress.
Trump is scheduled to visit Florida for a rally in Daytona Beach after cancelling planned appearances in Kansas and Iowa. Meanwhile, controversy surrounding Alaska’s Senate race has added another major issue to an already competitive election season.
Recent CBS News polling also suggests Democrats have an advantage in the battle for the House of Representatives. However, the Senate remains highly competitive, with several states potentially deciding which party controls the chamber.
Trump Makes Final Campaign Push Ahead of Election Day
President Trump is continuing his nationwide campaign effort as Republicans work to strengthen their position before the November midterms.
On Friday, October 30, Trump is scheduled to hold a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida. The visit comes as Republican candidates face important contests across the state.
Among the closely watched races is the Senate contest involving Republican Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic challenger Angie Nixon. Republican Rep. Byron Donalds is also running for governor against Democrat David Jolly.
However, Trump’s campaign schedule has changed in recent days.
The president cancelled planned weekend rallies in Kansas and Iowa. Instead, the Republican National Committee said the party would use telephone rallies to reach voters across 19 states.
The White House campaign effort comes as Republicans face concerns about the economy and voter dissatisfaction.
Trump has repeatedly encouraged supporters to treat the midterm elections as an opportunity to show support for his administration.
Kansas Senate Race Remains Competitive
The Kansas Senate contest has attracted particular attention because the state has traditionally been a strong Republican voting area.
Republican Sen. Roger Marshall is facing Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton.
Trump told Kansas City radio station KCMO that he expected Marshall to be in a strong position. He also praised the senator’s work with farmers and his relationship with Washington lawmakers.
However, the race has become more competitive than many Republicans initially expected.
Economic pressure on agricultural communities has become an important campaign issue. Farmers have raised concerns about higher operating expenses, fuel prices, fertiliser costs and weaker commodity prices.
These concerns could influence voter decisions in a state that Trump won comfortably in the 2024 presidential election.
Alaska Senate Race Faces Growing Controversy
One of the most closely watched developments in the 2026 US midterm elections involves Alaska’s Senate contest.
Democratic candidate Mary Peltola is challenging Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan. The race has attracted national attention following reports that a second candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan was recruited to appear on the ballot.
A New York Times report alleged that Democratic operatives connected to Peltola’s campaign helped recruit the second candidate.
Peltola and her campaign have strongly denied the allegations.
Speaking at a campaign event in Juneau, Peltola said she knew nothing about the other candidate and rejected suggestions that she was trying to confuse voters.
She also expressed confidence that she could defeat the incumbent senator without misleading the electorate.
State and Federal Authorities Investigate
The controversy has prompted investigations at both state and federal levels.
Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation into whether the alleged recruitment effort violated election laws.
Separately, the Justice Department has issued subpoenas as part of a federal investigation, according to CBS News.
The Trump administration has also taken legal action seeking to prevent certification of the election under certain circumstances involving alleged voter confusion.
Dunleavy has warned that the investigation could affect whether a candidate is ultimately seated in the Senate.
However, the allegations have not established that Peltola personally directed or approved any effort to recruit the second candidate.
The controversy remains unresolved as Alaska voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Democrats Hold an Advantage in the House, According to CBS Polling
The latest CBS News polling offers an important picture of the political environment ahead of Election Day.
According to a CBS News and YouGov survey conducted October 21–23, Democrats maintain an advantage in the battle for control of the House of Representatives.
CBS News’ House model estimated that Democrats were on track to win approximately 229 seats.
However, the model also showed that Republicans still had a narrow path to retaining control.
Economic concerns appear to be an important factor behind the Democratic advantage.
Inflation, household expenses and concerns about financial security continue to influence voters. The survey also found that many Americans do not believe either political party has a convincing plan to improve their financial situation.
President Trump remains a central figure in the election.
Democratic voters are particularly motivated by opposition to his administration, while many Republican voters continue to view him as an important reason to support their party.
Nevertheless, polling estimates are not election results. Voter turnout and decisions by undecided Americans could still change the outcome.
Senate Control Could Depend on Several Competitive States
Although Democrats have an advantage in the House polling, the Senate race presents a different challenge.
Several Senate contests remain highly competitive, making the final days of campaigning especially important.
Maine, Ohio and Texas are among the states receiving significant national attention. Alaska is also attracting scrutiny because of its ballot controversy.
Candidates in these states are trying to secure support from undecided voters while encouraging their existing supporters to participate.
The outcome of these contests could determine which party controls the Senate and how much influence the next Congress has over federal legislation.
For both parties, winning a handful of competitive seats could make a significant difference.
Nearly 45 Million Americans Have Already Voted
Early voting has become another important feature of the 2026 election cycle.
According to the University of Florida Election Lab figures reported by CBS News, approximately 44.8 million Americans had already cast ballots by Thursday evening, October 29.
The total included:
- Approximately 23.6 million in-person early votes.
- Around 21.3 million returned mail ballots.
These figures demonstrate substantial voter participation before Election Day.
However, early voting numbers do not reveal which candidates voters supported. They also cannot independently predict the final election outcome.
Turnout patterns can vary significantly between states because election laws, registration requirements and voting schedules are different.
Election officials will begin the formal counting process according to their respective state procedures.
What Voters Should Watch Before November 3
The final days of the 2026 US midterm elections will be important for both political parties.
Trump’s campaign appearances, economic concerns and the performance of candidates in competitive states could influence voter participation.
The Alaska Senate controversy may also remain a major political issue as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Democrats will try to maintain their advantage in the House, while Republicans will work to protect their congressional majority.
With millions of Americans already voting and millions more expected to participate, the final result will depend on turnout across key districts and states.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Until then, campaigns on both sides are making their final efforts to persuade voters and secure support.
