The 2026 midterm elections will shape the future of workplace policy, labor regulation, and economic competitiveness across the country. For HR professionals, organizational leaders, policymakers, and advocates alike, understanding what’s at stake, and how these elections affect the world of work, is essential.
SHRM works constructively with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels to advance workplace policy that is practical, balanced, and informed by real-world employer and employee experience. Our advocacy is grounded in a clear commitment to Policy, Not Politics and to promoting respectful, civil workplaces — especially during periods of heightened public debate.
This Election Hub brings together timely information, key dates, and policy context to help you navigate the 2026 midterms with confidence and understand the power you have in shaping effective workplace policy.
Overview of the 2026 Midterm Elections
The 2026 United States midterm elections will be held midway through the President’s four-year term and will determine the makeup of the 120th U.S. Congress (2027–2029). Voters across the country will cast ballots for:
476
476 seats across the U.S. Senate (35) and U.S. House of Representatives (435 representatives, plus 6 delegates).
36
Governors in 36 states.
1K+
Thousands of state and local offices nationwide.
The outcomes of these elections will influence workplace policy for years to come, affecting issues such as workforce development, benefits, immigration, and labor-management relations.
Key Races
U.S. Senate
Elections for the U.S. Senate will take place on November 3, 2026. Voters will decide:
- 33 regularly scheduled Senate seats, plus
- Two special elections to fill unexpired terms
Control of the Senate is expected to be highly competitive, with implications for confirmation of executive and judicial nominees, federal labor policy, and workplace legislation.
The balance of power in the U.S. Senate is one of the most consequential outcomes of the midterm elections. With a narrow majority at stake, a handful of competitive races could determine which party controls the chamber and sets the legislative agenda.
U.S. House of Representatives
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election, along with territorial delegates and Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner. With many districts expected to be closely contested, these races will play a central role in determining the direction of federal workplace policy.
Control of the House of Representatives will hinge on a relatively small number of highly competitive districts often labeled as “Toss-Ups.” These races can influence legislation affecting labor standards, benefits, workforce flexibility, and employer compliance.
Casualty List
The congressional press corps tracks a list of lawmakers who have announced plans to leave Congress at the conclusion of the 2026 term.
Gubernatorial Elections
In 2026, voters in 36 states will elect governors. These races matter because governors play a significant role in shaping state labor laws, workforce programs, and regulatory priorities that directly affect employers and employees.
Competitive gubernatorial elections in several states could reshape state-level labor policy, regulatory enforcement, and workforce investment strategies — making them especially important for employers operating across multiple states.
State Legislative Elections
State legislatures are often where workplace policy takes shape first. In November 2026:
- Legislative elections will be held in 46 states
- 88 of the nation’s 99 legislative chambers will be on the ballot
Approximately 6,122 legislative seats (about 82% of all state legislative seats) will be contested.
Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia will not hold state legislative elections in 2026, as they operate on odd-year election cycles.
Key Dates
Primary elections and the November 3 general election mark critical milestones in the 2026 election cycle. Primaries determine which candidates advance to the ballot, while the general election decides control of federal, state, and local offices.
Clicking on your state below will provide you with critical information about when and how to vote.
Event
SHRM26
The 2026 election will shape the future of the workplace. Join thousands of HR and business leaders at SHRM Annual Conference & Expo to explore how policy, regulation, and leadership trends will impact employers — and what HR can do now to prepare.
SHRM’s Perspective on Workplace Policy
Workforce Development
Career and Training Services
SHRM supports robust investments in workforce training, including community and technical colleges, and expanding Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality, short-term credential programs.
Apprenticeships
SHRM advocates for modernizing the apprenticeship system to expand access across industries while reducing regulatory barriers — particularly for small businesses.
Employer-Provided Education Assistance
SHRM supports policies that help workers build skills at every career stage and encourage employers to offer education and student loan repayment benefits.
Workplace Inclusion
Workplace Flexibility
SHRM supports flexible, employer-driven leave and benefits policies that recognize diverse employee needs and avoid one-size-fits-all mandates.
Dependent Care Infrastructure
SHRM promotes investments in affordable child and elder care and supports expanding dependent care tax credits to strengthen workforce participation.
Workplace Support Programs
SHRM encourages caregiver-friendly policies and employee assistance programs that support mental health and well-being.
Modernized Benefits
SHRM supports updating state and federal benefit laws to reflect modern families and protect workers' rights, while promoting flexible, harmonized frameworks that make benefits financially and administratively viable for small employers and scalable for larger organizations.
Untapped Talent
SHRM advocates for policies that expand access to employment for veterans, military spouses, older workers, individuals with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals — strengthening the workforce and driving sustainable growth.
Workplace Flexibility & Leave
Modernizing the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
SHRM supports updates to FMLA that align with today’s workplaces, clarify responsibilities, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.
Voluntary Paid Leave Solutions
SHRM supports voluntary, national paid family and medical leave frameworks that expand access while preserving employer flexibility.
Retirement Security
SHRM advocates for policies that expand access to retirement plans, simplify administration, and improve participation among underserved workers.
Workplace Immigration
Talent Acquisition and Retention
SHRM supports expanding access to skilled foreign-born talent to meet critical workforce needs.
Efficiency and Predictability
SHRM advocates for a more efficient and predictable immigration system that allows employers to plan and compete effectively.
Innovation and Cultural Exchange
SHRM supports visa programs that promote global talent exchange and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
Workplace Healthcare
Telehealth Access
SHRM supports extending pre-deductible telehealth coverage for employees with high-deductible health plans and HSAs.
Interstate Mental Health Compacts
SHRM advocates for interstate licensure compacts that expand access to mental health care, including via telehealth.
Workplace Governance
Employment Relationships
SHRM supports clear, modern definitions of employment relationships, including fair joint employer standards.
Dynamic Labor Structures
SHRM promotes flexible work arrangements that help organizations attract and retain diverse talent.
Labor-Management Relations
SHRM supports balanced policies that protect workers’ rights while enabling productive, adaptable workplaces.
How to Vote
Participating in elections is a cornerstone of civic engagement. While voting rules vary by state, the general process includes:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Most states require voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state in which they are voting.
2. Register to Vote
Voter registration methods vary by state and may include online, mail-in, or in-person options.
3. Check Registration Status
Many states offer online tools to confirm that your registration is active and up to date.
4. Review Voting Options
Depending on your state, you may be able to vote:
- In person on Election Day
- During early voting periods
- By absentee or mail-in ballot
5. Find Your Polling Place
Using the interactive map on the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s website, select your state and open the Voting Information tab. Then choose “In-person Voting Location Lookup.” This will direct you to your state’s official site, where you can find your polling location.
You can also check voting hours and any ID requirements you’ll need to bring.
6. Cast Your Ballot
Whether voting in person or by mail, follow all instructions carefully and meet state deadlines.
Seminar
Workplace Planning
Future policy shifts, economic trends, and evolving roles demand proactive workforce planning. This seminar helps you develop the HR skills and frameworks you need to help your organization stay resilient and competitive. Walk away ready to implement strategic workforce plans rooted in data and organizational priorities.