Key Developments

The 2026 midterm elections will decide control of Congress and the future direction of President Trump's agenda, with voters casting ballots across all 435 House seats and 35 Senate races. Additionally, candidates for governor are on the ballot in 39 states alongside high-profile measures such as California's proposed billionaire tax. CBS News is providing extensive multi-platform coverage following the close of polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For cable viewers, the "America Decides: Election 2026" live broadcast begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Anchors Tony Dokoupil and Norah O'Donnell will lead the coverage alongside Gayle King, Margaret Brennan, and a robust team of political reporters including Robert Costa, Major Garrett, Nancy Cordes, and Ed O'Keefe. Anthony Salvanto, executive director of elections and surveys, will provide live data updates throughout the evening, joined by reporters stationed in Washington and across the nation.

Cord-cutters and digital viewers can stream live coverage on the free CBS News app, Paramount+, and CBSNews.com starting early Tuesday. Beginning at 5 p.m. ET, viewers can catch "Election 2026: The Nerd Show" hosted by Anthony Salvanto and Caitlin Huey-Burns, featuring insights from Democratic and Republican pollsters and election data experts.

Key Takeaways

  • Broad Coverage: CBS News television coverage begins Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET, anchored by Tony Dokoupil and Norah O'Donnell.
  • Streaming Options: Continuous 24/7 streaming is available on the CBS News app, Paramount+, YouTube, and CBSNews.com.
  • Data-Driven Insights: "Election 2026: The Nerd Show" starts at 5 p.m. ET, offering in-depth analysis from pollsters and data experts.

Why It Matters

The 2026 midterm elections carry immense national significance as voters determine control of the legislative branch and evaluate President Trump's policy agenda. With every seat in the House of Representatives, dozens of Senate positions, numerous governorships, and major state ballot measures up for decision, real-time reporting and expert analysis are vital for tracking the shift in American political power.