How Do Midterm Elections Work?

Every four years, the United States’ midterm elections come around. Situated two years into a presidential term (which is why they are called quote-unquote “midterms”), these elections determine who serves in many congressional seats. Constituents vote on all members of the House of Representatives, who serve for two years, and about one-third of the members of the Senate, who serve for six years. Thirty-six states also hold gubernatorial elections during the midterm cycle. Although the president is not on the ballot, midterm elections are still incredibly influential. Congress’s legislative power allows it to make and change laws, decide on many presidential appointments, and more. Because of the United States’ two-party system, midterm election results can color the current president’s remaining time in office. In the past, having different parties in control of Congress and the White House has caused “gridlock,” with stymied legislation and blocked progress of the presidential agenda. National frustration with the president has consistently led to the opposing party gaining control of Congress during midterm elections, a trend that has been seen since the end of World War II. An exception was the 2002 elections, during Republican President George W. Bush’s first term, in which Republicans held the party majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although midterm elections historically have had a lower turnout than general elections, their outcomes significantly impact U.S. policy and can reshape the country.