Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections for Orange County and the nation

It is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and voters in Orange County are heading to the polls or sending in their mail ballots to decide the outcome of the midterm elections. This election occurs halfway through President Donald Trump's second term, and the results will determine which party controls Congress for his final two years in office. For residents of Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and Garden Grove, the day marks a critical moment in the political landscape of California and the nation.

In California, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to Ballotpedia. Because the state conducts its elections largely by mail, many voters may have already cast their ballots, but those still needing to vote should find their polling place at vote.gov or their local election office. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote, so voters should stay in line if they arrive near the closing time. ID rules vary by state, so residents are encouraged to check California's specific rules before heading out to ensure a smooth voting experience.

The ballot in Orange County includes every U.S. House seat in the state, along with state and local offices and measures that vary by county. There is no U.S. Senate election in California this year, but the governor's race is a major focus. The seat is open with no incumbent running, and voters will choose between candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties. This open seat adds an element of unpredictability to the state's top executive race.

Nationally, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, whereas Republicans can lose no more than two seats to maintain control. According to Ballotpedia, there are 46 battleground districts, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 held by Republicans. These competitive districts will likely determine the final balance of power in the lower chamber.

In the U.S. Senate, 35 of the 100 seats are on the ballot. This includes 33 regular elections and two special elections for the remaining terms of Marco Rubio in Florida and JD Vance in Ohio. Republicans hold 53 seats, Democrats hold 45, and two independents caucus with the Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate, while Republicans can lose only two seats to keep their majority. Eleven senators are not running again, creating additional open seats that will be closely watched.

The Associated Press describes this election as a referendum on President Trump's second term, noting that voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. An AP-NORC poll shows that 35% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while only 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for high costs. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals of four years ago in many closely watched states.

Political parties are bracing for a tight race. Republicans are fighting to hold the Senate and have been expecting to lose the House, with the AP noting that one or two seats could tip either chamber. Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic. Trump held dozens of rallies in the final days, ending Sunday in Salina, Kansas, where he told supporters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." Many Republican candidates kept their distance from the president during the final week of campaigning.

Money is playing a significant role in this election, with the 2026 contests likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. An AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more.

Key Senate races include North Carolina, where former Governor Roy Cooper faces former RNC chair Michael Whatley. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff is running against Representative Mike Collins. Ohio will see former Senator Sherrod Brown challenge Senator Jon Husted. In Michigan, former Representative Mike Rogers is running against Abdul El-Sayed. Texas features Attorney General Ken Paxton against James Talarico. Maine, a state that has become competitive due to economic strain and tariffs, will see Senator Susan Collins face Troy Jackson. New Hampshire will have Chris Pappas running against John E. Sununu. These races are central to the fight for Senate control.

Governor races are also competitive in several states. In Georgia, Rick Jackson is running against Keisha Lance Bottoms. In Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo faces Attorney General Aaron Ford. In Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy is running against Amy Acton. Democrats are hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades. The AP calls Texas, Florida, and Iowa competitive governor races. The outcome of these races will influence the tone of state politics for the next four years.

Election administration has been a topic of discussion this week. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, which critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. These administrative issues have added a layer of complexity to the voting process.

Wall Street is watching the results closely, as Reuters notes that outcomes could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be the first Black speaker and has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic night would also boost potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while potentially complicating the path of Vice President JD Vance.

As the day progresses, voters in Orange County and across the nation will continue to make their selections. The mood is one of anticipation and tension, with both parties hoping to beat the historical pattern of a president's party losing seats in midterm elections. New congressional maps in California and other states may influence the outcome, but the ultimate decision rests with the voters. The results will shape the direction of American policy for the next two years and set the stage for the 2028 presidential race.

Residents are encouraged to follow the news as results begin to trickle in later in the evening. The Associated Press, Reuters, and Ballotpedia will provide updates throughout the day. Whether by mail or in person, every vote counts in this pivotal election. The coming hours will reveal which party controls the House and Senate, and who will lead the state of California in the coming years.