How to Watch 2026 Midterm Election Results and Live Coverage
Major television networks are rolling out extensive broadcast plans for the 2026 midterm elections, featuring special programming across CNN, Fox News, NBC, and other channels.
Published 3 November 2026
The 2026 Midterm Elections Kick Off
The 2026 midterm elections commenced on a Tuesday morning, bringing all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats into active competition. Voters across the country are heading to the polls to determine the future balance of power in Washington, raising questions about whether Democrats or Republicans will secure control of both chambers.
A potential blue wave could significantly impact the second half of President Donald Trump's term. With the political landscape hanging in the balance, broadcasters have prepared comprehensive coverage plans to track every development as the results roll in.
Key Senate and House Races to Watch
National attention is heavily focused on several critical races as Democrats pursue the four seats necessary to take control of the Senate. Prominent contests feature Georgia, where Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is facing Republican Rep. Mike Collins, and Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed challenges Republican Mike Rogers.
Other closely monitored matchups include Ohio, where former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown seeks a comeback against Republican Sen. Jon Husted, and Maine, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins runs against Democrat Troy Jackson. Additionally, races in Texas between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, as well as North Carolina between Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley, remain major focal points.
Major Network Broadcasts and Schedules
Major television networks have significantly expanded their programming for the evening, offering dedicated election specials. CNN kicks off its main 'Election Night in America' coverage at 4 p.m. ET, while Fox News begins its 'Democracy 26' broadcast at 6 p.m. ET.
NBC News has scheduled a massive 13-hour election night broadcast starting at 5 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, MS Now begins its 'We the People' coverage at 6 p.m., and both CBS News with 'America Decides: Election 2026' and ABC News with 'Vote 2026' start their respective broadcasts at 7 p.m. ET.
Anchors and Expert Commentators
Viewers tuning into CNN will see Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper co-anchoring from Washington, D.C., with Dana Bash covering Senate races and Kaitlan Collins reporting on the administration's response. Fox News features Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum at the anchor desk alongside commentators like Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Laura Ingraham.
NBC's broadcast is led by Savannah Guthrie, Tom Llamas, Kristen Welker, and Hallie Jackson, with Steve Kornacki returning to the big board. MS Now features Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, Chris Hayes, Jen Psaki, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Michael Steele, with Ali Velshi managing their big board.
CBS and ABC Election Night Teams
CBS News relies on anchors Tony Dokoupil and Norah O'Donnell, supported by contributors Gayle King, Margaret Brennan, and Robert Costa. Their coverage aims to provide deep analysis of the shifting political map as data flows in from across the nation.
ABC News rounds out the major network offerings with a seven-hour broadcast anchored by David Muir. He is joined by correspondents Linsey Davis, Martha Raddatz, Jonathan Karl, and Mary Bruce to guide audiences through the unfolding results.
Streaming Options Without Cable
Viewers without traditional TV packages can still access live coverage of NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox through streaming platforms such as DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV. Fubo also serves as an alternative viewing option, though it does not carry CNN.
Several of these streaming services provide five-day free trials, allowing audiences to view election night broadcasts without committing to a long-term subscription plan immediately.
News Overview
The 2026 midterm elections have brought all House and Senate seats into play, prompting major news networks to launch extensive live coverage. Networks including CNN, Fox News, NBC, MS Now, CBS, and ABC are providing all-day reporting and specialized broadcasts for viewers tracking the results.
Key facts
- All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are up for election in the 2026 midterms.
- Democrats need to win four seats to take control of the Senate.
- NBC's Decision '26 spans 13 hours of coverage.
- Midterm political ad spending reached a record $11.21 billion.