United States elections could reshape Trump’s presidency

Americans will head to the polls 3 November, for midterm elections that could change the balance of power in Washington and determine how much political support President Donald Trump has for the remaining two years of his presidency.

By Kam Heskin, in News · 03 Nov 2026, 17:03 · 0 Comments

Credits: envato elements; Author: Anna_Om;

Although Trump is not on the ballot, the results will decide whether his Republican Party retains control of Congress or whether Democrats gain the power to challenge his legislative agenda.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, along with 35 of the 100 Senate seats. Voters in 36 states will also elect governors, while numerous state and local positions are up for election.

The Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, giving the President an advantage when seeking approval for legislation, government spending and other major policies.

That could change if Democrats secure a majority in either chamber.

So what is at stake?

The House of Representatives is particularly important because its members are elected every two years, meaning the entire chamber can change political control in a single election.

Republicans enter the vote with a narrow majority. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control, meanwhile the Senate presents a different challenge.

Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, compared with 47 held by Democrats and independents who caucus with them. Democrats would need to reach 51 seats to control the chamber, as Vice President JD Vance can cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie.

Control of Congress directly affects the president’s ability to pass legislation. If Democrats win either chamber, they could block Republican proposals and exercise greater oversight of the administration.

A Democratic majority in the House could also lead to additional congressional investigations into government decisions, immigration enforcement and the conduct of senior officials.

Trump would nevertheless retain substantial executive powers, including the ability to issue executive orders within legal limits and veto legislation.

Economy and immigration dominate

The cost of living has been a major issue throughout the campaign, with voters concerned about food prices, housing, healthcare and energy costs.

Democrats have criticised the administration’s trade tariffs and economic policies, arguing that they have increased financial pressure on households.

Republicans have defended Trump’s approach to trade and immigration, presenting stronger border controls and enforcement measures as central achievements of his second term.

The elections also come amid international uncertainty, including tensions involving Iran and concerns about global energy supplies.

The outcome could influence future debates over government spending, taxation, defence and foreign policy.

Why the elections matter to Portugal

Although the vote takes place in the United States, changes in Washington could also have implications for Portugal and the wider European Union.

Trade relations are one important point. According to the Council of the European Union, trade in goods and services between the EU and the United States exceeded €1.77 trillion in 2025.

The two economies are closely connected, meaning changes in American trade policy can affect European exporters, businesses and investment decisions.

Portugal, as an EU member state, is also affected by decisions involving transatlantic trade agreements, tariffs and economic cooperation.

Defence policy is another area of interest, particularly given Portugal’s membership of NATO and the continuing debate over military spending and European security.

Congress has an important role in approving federal spending, although the President retains considerable authority over foreign policy.

The election results will not automatically change American trade or defence policy, but a different congressional majority could affect future legislation, budgets and political negotiations.

When will the results be known?

The first polling stations are scheduled to close at 23:00 on Tuesday, Portugal mainland time, with results expected to emerge throughout the night.

However, the final balance of power may not be immediately clear.

Close contests, postal ballots and state-specific counting procedures could delay confirmation of some results for several days.

The newly elected Congress will begin its term on January 3, 2027, setting the political balance in Washington for the final two years of Trump’s presidency.