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:
470
470 seats across the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives
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:
- 35 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. Control of the House of Representatives will hinge on a relatively small number of highly competitive districts often labeled as “Toss-Ups.” The outcomes of these races can influence legislation affecting labor standards, benefits, workforce flexibility, and employer compliance.
Casualty List
Ballotpedia 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.
State Supreme Court Elections
32 states are holding their Supreme Court elections in 2026. Explore key details, candidates, and election methods on Ballotpedia's comprehensive guide.
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.
State Primary Election Results
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
SHRM pursues nonpartisan public policy efforts and elevates the voice of HR in discussions on policies affecting the world of work. HR professionals sit at the intersection of work, workers and the workplace, providing SHRM with the unique voice, policy perspective and technical expertise necessary to successfully advocate for major policy issues.
HR professionals and business executives expect SHRM to be a vocal advocate for key labor, employment and safety issues. SHRM Government Affairs organizes key workplace issues into six core policy areas:
Workforce Development
Workplace Inclusion
Workplace Flexibility & Leave
Workplace Immigration
Workplace Healthcare
Workplace Governance
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.
Relevant Executive Order
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in April 2026 (Louisiana v. Callais) limiting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The decisions effectively said that states can only consider race in drawing congressional districts under narrow circumstances. As a consequence, the ruling furthered the efforts of some states to maximize the political advantage of one party over another.
Separately, President Trump signed an executive order on March 31, 2026 titled, “Ensuring Citizenship Verification And Integrity In Federal Elections” to address voter fraud. The executive order creates or expands a federal citizenship verification system; links voting (especially mail voting) to that database; expands earlier efforts to require documentary proof of citizenship (like passports or similar documents) to register or vote; and directs federal agencies and the Justice Department to help states verify voter eligibility and/or investigate suspected ineligible voters.
SHRM encourages you to check with your local Electoral Board to ensure you are properly registered to vote and have any documentation to comply with any requirements set forth in the executive order or by your local government.