PBS News is scheduled to launch its live special coverage of the 2026 midterm elections at 6 p.m. EST. The broadcast will feature state-by-state result maps and analysis of key races as Americans decide the composition of Congress. President Donald Trump, who is not on the ballot, has been actively campaigning across the country to influence the outcome of these elections, which will determine the political landscape for the final years of his presidency.
The election occurs against a backdrop of shifting public sentiment. According to the final PBS News/NPR/Marist poll before Election Day, Democrats hold an 8-point lead among likely voters in the contest for control of Congress. This polling data reflects growing voter concern over affordability and the Iran War, issues that have impacted how Americans view the Trump administration's policies.
What the Right Is Saying
Despite President Trump's historic low approval ratings, he has engaged in extensive last-minute campaigning to support Republican candidates. The president has traveled to states including Kansas, New York, and Alaska, targeting key races in areas traditionally considered Republican strongholds.
Trump’s strategy focuses on maintaining the GOP's grip on both chambers of Congress. On the PBS panel, Doug Heye, a Republican strategist and former Republican National Committee spokesperson, will offer insights into the conservative viewpoint. Tiffany Smiley, a former Republican U.S. Senate candidate, also joins the panel to discuss the Republican perspective on the election results.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic strategists and voters point to the PBS News/NPR/Marist poll as evidence that the party is gaining momentum. Mo Elleithee, a Democratic strategist and former Democratic National Committee spokesperson, is set to provide analysis on the panel, representing the Democratic perspective on the evening.
The data suggests that voters are increasingly critical of the administration's handling of economic affordability and foreign policy conflicts, specifically the Iran War. For Democrats, the 8-point lead among likely voters signals an opportunity to recapture seats in Congress, potentially checking the power of the Trump presidency.
What the Numbers Show
The final PBS News/NPR/Marist poll indicates Democrats hold an 8-point lead among likely voters in the fight for control of Congress.
The Justice Department plans to deploy 1,000 election monitors to all 50 states on Election Day, a move that state officials are watching closely for potential federal involvement in the process.
For the first time in a major general election, the AP is partnering with broadcast news networks to conduct a new Voter Poll, aiming to analyze voter demographics and motivations in every state with a statewide election.
The Bottom Line
PBS NewsHour co-anchors Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett will lead the election night coverage, joined by analysts including Amy Walter, editor-in-chief of The Cook Political Report; David Brooks, staff writer at The Atlantic; and Kimberly Atkins Stohr, columnist at The Boston Globe.
The broadcast will include live ASL interpretation provided by D-PAN. While many races may be called on election night, the AP notes that some contests could take longer to resolve, citing the four-day delay in calling the 2020 presidential election as an example.
Viewers can watch the coverage on PBS stations, online, or via social media platforms including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. The outcome of these midterms will define the political authority of the Trump administration for the remainder of its term.