2026 US midterm elections: Trump's claims, crypto spending, and the fight for Congress
The 2026 midterm elections on November 3 will decide control of Congress, with Democrats needing a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats, as President Trump makes unsubstantiated claims of election interference and.
The 2026 US midterm elections on November 3 will decide control of Congress. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to win majorities. The crypto industry has contributed close to $200 million. President Trump has made unsubstantiated claims of election interference.
The 2026 United States midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, with all 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats up for contest. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to win majorities in each chamber. The elections will occur during Republican President Donald Trump’s nonconsecutive second term. The crypto industry has contributed close to $200 million to the midterms, pushing lawmakers to pass sector-related legislation. Top election and law enforcement officials are stepping up preparations for possible interference. President Trump has described an ongoing election interference “coverup” without providing evidence, according to his statements. He is expected to center a July 15 speech on his false claim of winning the 2020 election, casting a new cloud over the midterms. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has warned that state officials could lose funding or face investigations if they fail to comply with Trump’s election demands.
What is at stake in the 2026 midterms
The 2026 midterm elections fall on November 3, during Donald Trump’s nonconsecutive second term. All 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats are contested. Democrats need a net pickup of three seats to win a House majority and four to control the Senate. The crypto industry has contributed nearly $200 million to the midterm campaigns, pushing lawmakers to pass sector-specific legislation.
Trump speech expected to center on false 2020 election claim
Trump speech expected to cast new cloud over midterm elections
2026 United States midterm elections scheduled
All 435 House seats contested
35 of 100 Senate seats contested
Trump's election claims and the 'coverup' allegation
President Trump has described an ongoing election interference “coverup” ahead of the November 3 midterms, according to reports, though he did not provide evidence. A speech scheduled for July 15, 2026, was expected to center on his false claim that he won the 2020 election, sources said, and was likely to cast a new cloud over the 2026 contests. Trump has also laid groundwork that, according to reports, could be used to reject the midterm results. His anti-communist rhetoric, including references to “mini-Mamdanis” challenging centrist Democrats, has been described as a “Red Scare playbook.”
Trump described an ongoing election interference 'coverup' but provided no evidence.
Mullin's warnings and federal election preparations
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has warned that state officials could lose funding or face investigations if they fail to comply with President Donald Trump's election demands, according to reports. Mullin has echoed Trump's claims about midterm risks. Separately, top officials overseeing state elections and law enforcement are stepping up plans to prepare for possible interference in the November 3, 2026 midterms.
Government funding deal and Republican convention plans
Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the government past the 2026 midterm elections, aiming to avoid a shutdown in October. Separately, President Donald Trump announced that Republicans will hold their first-ever national convention ahead of the midterms in Dallas, according to reports. A Newsweek analysis identified states where Elon Musk’s revived America PAC could have the greatest impact in the campaign.
What happens next
The November 3 midterms will decide control of both chambers for the remainder of Donald Trump’s term. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats and four Senate seats to flip Congress. A bipartisan funding agreement reached by Senate leaders aims to keep the government operating past the vote, avoiding a shutdown in October.
How the results will be received remains uncertain. Trump has described an election interference “coverup” without providing evidence, according to his statements. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, per his own remarks, warned that state officials could lose funding or face investigations if they fail to comply with Trump’s election demands.
Outside influence is set to be heavy. The crypto industry has contributed close to $200 million to the midterms while pushing lawmakers for sector-specific legislation. Newsweek analysis identified states where Elon Musk’s revived America PAC could have the greatest impact. Election officials and law enforcement continue to step up preparations for possible interference.
Frequently asked questions
When are the 2026 midterm elections and what is at stake?
The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. All 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats will be contested. Democrats need a net pickup of three House seats and four Senate seats to win majorities.
Is Trump challenging the 2026 midterm election results?
According to reports, President Donald Trump has laid groundwork to reject the 2026 midterm election results. In a July 15, 2026 speech, he is expected to center on his false claim of winning the 2020 election, casting a new cloud over the midterms.
What is Trump saying about election interference in 2026?
According to reports, President Trump described an ongoing election interference 'coverup' but provided no evidence. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed Trump's claims and warned state officials could lose funding or face investigations if they fail to comply with election demands.
How much is the crypto industry spending on the 2026 midterms?
The crypto industry has contributed close to $200 million to the November midterm elections. It is pushing lawmakers to pass legislation related to its sector. Newsweek also analyzed states where Elon Musk's America PAC could have the greatest impact in 2026.
What is being done to prevent a government shutdown before the midterms?
Senate leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement to keep the government funded past the 2026 midterm elections. The deal aims to avoid a government shutdown in October. Top officials overseeing state elections and law enforcement are also stepping up plans to prepare for possible interference.
Compiled from reporting by 10 independent outlets. How we source our reporting.
