57 Million Early Votes Cast in Costliest US Election Ever

American voters are selecting members of Congress and governors on November 3, 2026, with Republican control of both chambers of the federal legislature under threat.

The University of Florida Election Lab reported that more than 57 million people had voted by Monday. This figure surpasses the 46 million early voters recorded in the 2022 midterm elections.

OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan watchdog group, projects total spending for this election will reach $11.9 billion. That amount makes it the most expensive US election in history. Campaign finance records indicate that Elon Musk spent approximately $366 million supporting Republican candidates as of three weeks prior to the election.

Republicans currently hold a House majority of 218 to 214, with two vacancies and one independent who caucuses with the party. Democrats require a net gain of four seats to take control of the House. They also need four additional seats in the Senate, where Republicans lead 53 to 47. Twelve Senate races could determine the final outcome, including contests in Kansas and Texas.

Reuters/Ipsos polling places President Donald Trump's job approval at 32%, near a record low. Rising consumer prices are contributing to this decline. Data from the University of Florida Election Lab shows higher Democratic enthusiasm and a larger share of ballots cast by Democrats compared to past cycles.

Some Latino voters who supported Trump in 2024 are returning to the Democratic Party due to economic dissatisfaction and concerns over immigration enforcement. However, skepticism toward Democrats and a Republican spending advantage may limit their gains. Moderate voters are also weighing the impact of left-wing primary winners.

A Democratic victory in the House would likely result in New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries becoming speaker. He would be the first Black American to hold that position, which is second in the presidential line of succession. Jeffries stated that Democrats would investigate what he described as unprecedented levels of corruption in the administration. He also said the party would prioritize making healthcare, groceries, housing, and energy more affordable.

If Republicans keep the House, Mike Johnson may remain speaker unless a challenge succeeds. The party plans to focus on further tax cuts, increased defense spending, and reduced social safety net benefits. These goals extend policies from Trump's 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill."

Key House races include Mike Lawler's reelection bid in a New York district that Kamala Harris won in 2024. An open seat in a Nebraska swing district is also drawing attention, with local farmers and truckers facing higher fuel costs from the US war against Iran. Democrats are targeting two seats in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey.

Voters are also choosing governors in 36 states and state legislators in nearly every state. Ballotp数据显示 Republicans hold 55% of state legislative seats, while Democrats hold 43.8%. In 2010, Republicans gained 63 House seats during Barack Obama's presidency. In 2018, Democrats gained a net 40 House seats during Trump's presidency. State election officials and congressional Democrats are preparing legal challenges to potential administration intervention in the voting process.