What are US midterm elections, and why do they matter?

The US midterm elections can reshape the balance of power in Washington, even though the president is not on the ballot. Here's how they work and what the Democrats' victory means for Donald Trump and the 2028 presidential race.

Every four years, Americans elect a president. But halfway through each president's term, they return to the polls to elect members of Congress in what are known as midterm elections.

Although the president's name does not appear on the ballot, these elections can have a profound impact on the rest of his presidency. The just-concluded midterms, in which the Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress, are a case in point.

So, what exactly are midterm elections?

The United States has a presidential system in which the president and Congress are elected separately. Congress, the country's national legislature, has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Presidential elections take place every four years, while congressional elections are held every two years. When congressional elections fall halfway through a president's four-year term, they are called midterms.

In these elections, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are contested. Members serve two-year terms.

The Senate has 100 members, each serving a six-year term. However, only about one-third of its seats are contested every two years. This time, 35 Senate seats were up for election.

Voters also elect governors and other state and local representatives in many parts of the country.

WHY ARE THESE ELECTIONS IMPORTANT?

Congress plays a central role in running the country. It makes federal laws, approves government spending and oversees the executive branch, headed by the president.

The two chambers have different responsibilities. The House introduces and debates legislation, while the Senate reviews and votes on bills passed by the House. Both must generally approve a bill before it can become law.

The Senate also confirms key presidential appointments, including cabinet members and federal judges.

Which party controls Congress therefore matters enormously. If the president's party holds majorities in both chambers, passing legislation and implementing his agenda becomes easier. If the opposition takes control, the president faces a much tougher political environment.

Midterms are also widely viewed as a public verdict on the president's performance, particularly his handling of the economy, immigration, foreign policy, and other major issues.

WHAT DOES THE DEMOCRATIC VICTORY MEAN FOR TRUMP?

The Democrats' victory in both chambers means Trump will face a Congress controlled by his political opponents for the remaining two years of his presidency.

This does not mean he loses his presidential powers. He will remain in office and retain authority over the executive branch. But his ability to push through new laws, approve spending plans and advance major policy initiatives could be significantly constrained.

Democrats will also gain control of congressional committees, giving them greater power to investigate the administration, summon officials for hearings and scrutinise its policies and decisions.

They could also initiate impeachment proceedings against the president, although removing him from office would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, a much higher threshold than a simple majority.

In short, Trump will have to deal with a powerful opposition in Congress, making the final two years of his presidency considerably more challenging.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE 2028 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION?

The midterms are not a presidential election, and their results do not automatically determine who will win the next one. But they can influence the political calculations of both parties.

For the Democrats, the victory offers fresh momentum and an opportunity to rebuild their national profile after their defeat in the 2024 presidential election. Potential candidates, including former vice president Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, could emerge as contenders for the party's nomination.

The results could also encourage new faces within the party to consider a presidential run.

On the Republican side, attention is likely to turn increasingly towards who will succeed Trump as the party's presidential nominee. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the names that could figure in the discussion.

Trump himself cannot seek another elected term under the US Constitution, which bars anyone from being elected president more than twice.

Ultimately, the midterm results offer both parties an indication of the public mood and a starting point for preparing for 2028. For the Democrats, the immediate challenge is to turn their electoral gains into a credible alternative to Trumpism. For Republicans, it is to regroup and decide what comes after Trump.