Midterm 2026: All 435 House seats up as polls open in Whatcom County

Polls across Washington state are open Tuesday morning, with voting concluding at 8 p.m. local time. Residents of Bellingham, Marysville, and Lake Stevens are casting ballots in an election that is largely conducted by mail, though those in line at closing time retain the right to vote. According to Ballotpedia, Washington does not have a U.S. Senate or governor race on the ballot this year. Instead, every U.S. House seat in the state is up for grabs, alongside state Senate and House races, judicial elections, and local measures. Voters in Whatcom County can find their specific polling locations through vote.gov or their local election office, with identification rules varying by state regulation.

The national stakes for the House of Representatives are defined by a razor-thin margin. All 435 seats are being decided in this midterm election, which occurs halfway through President Donald Trump's second term. Currently, Republicans hold 218 seats while Democrats hold 214, with one independent and a few vacancies. This configuration means Democrats require a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, whereas Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. The Associated Press notes that one or two seats in either chamber could tip the balance, making the outcome highly sensitive to turnout and district-level shifts.

Ballotpedia has identified 46 battleground districts that will likely determine the final tally. These include 25 districts held by Democrats and 21 held by Republicans. The competitive nature of these races is highlighted by recent presidential voting patterns, with 21 Democratic-held districts having voted for Trump in 2024 and nine Republican-held districts voting for Kamala Harris. Additionally, 60 House incumbents, comprising 23 Democrats and 37 Republicans, are not running for re-election, opening up significant opportunities for challengers. The new congressional maps in seven states, including California, Florida, and Texas, further complicate the landscape for both parties.

In Washington state, voters are also deciding state-level offices that influence local governance. The ballot includes races for the State Senate and State House, as well as the State Supreme Court and intermediate appellate courts. Local elections in municipalities across the state are also taking place, allowing communities to shape their immediate civic environment. The Associated Press describes the national mood as a referendum on the current administration, with voters citing high prices and dissatisfaction with the war with Iran as primary concerns. Polling from AP-NORC indicates that 35 percent of adults approve of Trump's job performance, while approximately seven in ten believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.

The election is also a test of the new redistricting maps implemented in several states. Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and other states are using updated boundaries that may alter the competitive dynamics of their districts. Republicans attempted to use redistricting to beat the traditional midterm pattern where the president's party loses seats, but the AP notes that new districts in places like Florida may not vote as originally drawn. The Associated Press reports that Republican committees have outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups, while Democrats have outraised their opponents at the candidate level. This financial disparity is reflected in ad spending, with 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad dollars going to states and districts Trump won in 2024.

Voter participation has been high, with more than 57 million people having already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from the previous cycle in many key states. In Bellingham and surrounding towns, the focus remains on the local impact of these federal decisions, particularly regarding the cost of living and oversight of the executive branch. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on economic relief if his party gains control of the chamber. The AP notes that a strong Democratic performance could boost potential 2028 candidates and complicate the political path of Vice President JD Vance.

Election administration has seen some legal challenges, with federal judges temporarily barring the Trump administration from enforcing plans to prevent noncitizen voting in certain contexts. Critics argue these actions risk disenfranchising eligible voters, while the administration maintains they are necessary for integrity. The U.S. Postal Service has added staff and hours to ensure mail ballots are counted on time, a critical factor in states like Washington that rely heavily on this method. Wall Street is also watching the results, with Reuters noting that control of Congress could influence investor confidence regarding AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations.

As polls close across the region, the outcome of the 46 battleground districts will be closely monitored to see if the three-seat margin shifts. The Associated Press highlights that Democrats are cautiously optimistic, while Republicans are bracing to hold the Senate. The final numbers from districts like those in Washington will contribute to the broader national picture, determining which party sets the legislative agenda for the final two years of the Trump administration. Voters in Whatcom County are part of this broader national decision, with their choices for U.S. House representatives and state officials helping to shape the political landscape for the next two years.

The election also serves as a gauge for the public's sentiment on economic issues, with many voters expressing frustration over rising costs. In Raleigh, North Carolina, one voter noted paying more for healthcare and taxes, while in Florida, another supported the current administration's handling of the economy. These divergent views reflect the national divide that will be settled by the final vote counts. The Associated Press expects the results to be closely watched for signals on future political leadership and the potential for investigations if the party not currently in power gains control of either chamber of Congress.