Early counts show Democrats have secured Senate victories in South Carolina and North Carolina, giving them two of the four seats needed for a majority, while also capturing a Republican‑held House seat in North Carolina and showing potential to win additional conservative districts. The party leads in several battleground polls and requires a net gain of four House seats to take control, as Republicans retain a narrow House majority of 218 seats.
Republican Party
3 stories since 28 October 2026, newest first
4 November 2026
29 October 2026
Early results show the Democratic Party gaining Senate seats in North Carolina and South Carolina, while incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff is projected to keep his Georgia seat. The elections on 3 Nov involve all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats, with Republicans currently holding both chambers. Nearly nine in ten voters cite the cost of living as a major issue, and about two‑thirds blame President Trump for high prices. Roughly three‑quarters express anger or dissatisfaction with the country's direction. The Justice Department has deployed around 1,000 monitors to polling places nationwide.
28 October 2026
The US military has spent at least $47.1 billion on the war with Iran through 16 Oct, according to a Pentagon estimate shared with Congress. Replacing expended munitions is projected to cost about $29 billion, and replacing lost equipment such as aircraft and drones is put at more than $6 billion. The figure is more than 25 percent above Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's July estimate of $37.5 billion. US officials have told regional allies to prepare for possible renewed strikes after the 3 Nov elections, though President Donald Trump has not made a final decision.