With only days remaining before the country goes to the polls for the midterm elections much is at stake and it's unclear how the outcome will impact funding for infrastructure programs and the outlook for a variety of other construction concerns. The 2026 midterm elections on November 3 are a competition for control of Congress and what gets accomplished over the remaining two years of the Trump Administration. While the Republican party currently controls the Senate and House, the percentages are very closely divided. All 435 House seats are up for election with a 218-member count needed to hold the majority. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, with an additional independent member caucusing with the Republicans for 219 operational votes. Democrats hold 214 seats and there are 3 vacancies. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 (including two independents) advantage. There are 35 senate seats up in 2026 - including special elections in Florida and Ohio - of which 23 are held by Republicans.
Tag: midterm elections
While the Senate is expected to remain in session at least through the end of this week, a full vote on the farm bill is unlikely before the upcoming recess. Although the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on September 16, 2026, Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and other lawmakers like Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) stated that there is not enough time on the calendar to put the package on the floor before breaking for the November midterm elections. There was hope that the Senate would take up the bill before the recess to expedite finalizing the legislation this year.
The Senate returned this week from its Labor Day recess with plans for three weeks of legislative activity in hopes of addressing some top priority issues before adjourning to return home for a final campaign effort prior to the November 3 midterm elections. The House adjourned this week to finalize its reelection efforts. While the Senate has a long list of unfinished business to address, one of its top priorities is to complete action on the Farm Bill. On Wednesday, the Ag Committee reported the bill out, leaving open the possibility of bringing it to the floor for a vote.
View More