The 2026 US midterms are being fought not just by candidates, but over the maps voters will use to choose them. From Texas and Florida to California and Utah, an unusual wave of mid-decade redistricting is reshaping the battle for control of the House. Here's all you need to know.

<p>The 2026 US midterms are being fought not just by candidates, but over the maps voters will use to choose them. From Texas and Florida to California and Utah, an unusual wave of mid-decade redistricting is reshaping the battle for control of the House. Here's all you need to know.</p>

What is Gerrymandering? These new US maps could decide the 2026 US midterms

<p>The immediate threat of a US government shutdown has been pushed beyond the November 2026 midterm elections. But for President Donald Trump, the political battle over government funding may prove more consequential than the shutdown itself.</p><p>The House on September 1 passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure by a sweeping 370-48 vote, extending government funding through December 11. The Senate had already approved the measure, effectively removing the possibility of a shutdown dominating the final stretch of the midterm campaign.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On paper, that is a win for Trump and congressional Republicans. A government shutdown just weeks before voters head to the polls would have handed Democrats a powerful political weapon, allowing them to argue that Republicans, despite controlling Washington, could not keep the government functioning. But the political picture is considerably more complicated. For Trump, the biggest question is no longer simply whether the government stays open. It is whether Republicans can retain control of Congress after the midterms.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The funding fight has once again highlighted the divisions within Washington and the difficulty of converting Republican control of the White House and Congress into a smooth governing agenda. The latest deal avoids an immediate crisis, but it also postpones the underlying confrontation. That could be politically useful for Trump. The government will remain funded through December 11, meaning the next major funding battle will come after voters have already cast their ballots. Trump and Republican candidates can therefore campaign without the immediate threat of federal workers being furloughed, government services being disrupted and Washington becoming consumed by another shutdown.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-become-a-lame-duck-president-democrats-senate-comeback-house-majority-chances-in-us-midterm-elections-gather-pace-1788248973880"><strong>Will Trump become a lame-duck president? Democrats’ Senate comeback, House majority chances in midterm elections gather pace</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That is particularly important because the 2026 midterms are increasingly being viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency.</p><p>Recent polling offers the White House reason for concern. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at 33%, while Democrats appeared more motivated heading into the midterms. Forty-six per cent of Democrats surveyed said they were very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 31% of Republicans. Democrats also held an advantage among independents on the generic congressional ballot.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Those numbers matter because turnout and enthusiasm can be decisive in midterm elections. The shutdown fight could therefore become part of a larger Democratic argument: if Republicans control Washington, voters should judge them on whether that control has produced tangible results. Democrats can point to the funding standoff as evidence of dysfunction. Republicans, on the other hand, will argue that they ultimately prevented a shutdown and secured a funding extension without allowing Democrats to dictate the terms.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Trump, the challenge will be controlling that narrative. The president has built much of his political appeal around projecting strength and delivering results. A prolonged budget crisis would have cut directly against that message. Avoiding the shutdown gives him an opportunity to move the campaign conversation back toward issues where Republicans believe they have stronger political ground. But avoiding one crisis does not automatically create momentum.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The deeper danger for Trump is that the midterms could become less about individual Republican candidates and more about the president himself. Historically, midterm elections often function as a test of the party occupying the White House. If Democrats succeed in turning 2026 into a referendum on Trump's record, Republican candidates in competitive districts could find themselves defending the administration rather than simply campaigning on local issues.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The stakes are enormous. A Republican loss of either the House or Senate would fundamentally alter Trump's political operating environment. A Democratic-controlled chamber could block or reshape parts of his agenda, intensify congressional investigations and make the remainder of his term considerably more difficult to navigate. The December funding deadline could then become an early test of that new political reality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If Republicans retain control, Trump could enter those negotiations with renewed leverage. If Democrats win control of Congress, the same funding fight could become one of the first major battlegrounds between Trump and a newly empowered opposition.</p><p>That makes the current shutdown agreement less of an ending than a postponement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Trump has bought himself something valuable: time. But the midterms will determine what that time ultimately means. The shutdown threat may have been pushed beyond Election Day. The bigger question for Trump is whether voters will give Republicans another chance to control Washington. For now, the government stays open. For Trump, however, the political countdown to November has only become more important.</p>

Trump avoids a government shutdown before the 2026 midterms, but low approval and Democratic momentum could make the elections a major test for his presidency

The immediate threat of a US government shutdown has been pushed beyond the November 2026 midterm elections. But for President Donald Trump, the political battle over government funding may prove more consequential than the shutdown itself. The House on September 1 passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure by a sweeping 370-48 vote, extending government funding through December 11. The Senate had already approved the measure, effectively removing the possibility of a shutdown dominating the final stretch of the midterm campaign. On paper, that is a win for Trump and congressional Republicans. A government shutdown just weeks before voters head to the polls would have handed Democrats a powerful political weapon, allowing them to argue that Republicans, despite controlling Washington, could not keep the government functioning. But the political picture is considerably more complicated. For Trump, the biggest question is no longer simply whether the government stays open. It is whether Republicans can retain control of Congress after the midterms. The funding fight has once again highlighted the divisions within Washington and the difficulty of converting Republican control of the White House and Congress into a smooth governing agenda. The latest deal avoids an immediate crisis, but it also postpones the underlying confrontation. That could be politically useful for Trump. The government will remain funded through December 11, meaning the next major funding battle will come after voters have already cast their ballots. Trump and Republican candidates can therefore campaign without the immediate threat of federal workers being furloughed, government services being disrupted and Washington becoming consumed by another shutdown. Also Read: Will Trump become a lame-duck president? Democrats’ Senate comeback, House majority chances in midterm elections gather pace That is particularly important because the 2026 midterms are increasingly being viewed as a referendum on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling offers the White House reason for concern. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Trump’s approval rating at 33%, while Democrats appeared more motivated heading into the midterms. Forty-six per cent of Democrats surveyed said they were very enthusiastic about voting, compared with 31% of Republicans. Democrats also held an advantage among independents on the generic congressional ballot. Those numbers matter because turnout and enthusiasm can be decisive in midterm elections. The shutdown fight could therefore become part of a larger Democratic argument: if Republicans control Washington, voters should judge them on whether that control has produced tangible results. Democrats can point to the funding standoff as evidence of dysfunction. Republicans, on the other hand, will argue that they ultimately prevented a shutdown and secured a funding extension without allowing Democrats to dictate the terms. For Trump, the challenge will be controlling that narrative. The president has built much of his political appeal around projecting strength and delivering results. A prolonged budget crisis would have cut directly against that message. Avoiding the shutdown gives him an opportunity to move the campaign conversation back toward issues where Republicans believe they have stronger political ground. But avoiding one crisis does not automatically create momentum. The deeper danger for Trump is that the midterms could become less about individual Republican candidates and more about the president himself. Historically, midterm elections often function as a test of the party occupying the White House. If Democrats succeed in turning 2026 into a referendum on Trump's record, Republican candidates in competitive districts could find themselves defending the administration rather than simply campaigning on local issues. The stakes are enormous. A Republican loss of either the House or Senate would fundamentally alter Trump's political operating environment. A Democratic-controlled chamber could block or reshape parts of his agenda, intensify congressional investigations and make the remainder of his term considerably more difficult to navigate. The December funding deadline could then become an early test of that new political reality. If Republicans retain control, Trump could enter those negotiations with renewed leverage. If Democrats win control of Congress, the same funding fight could become one of the first major battlegrounds between Trump and a newly empowered opposition. That makes the current shutdown agreement less of an ending than a postponement. Trump has bought himself something valuable: time. But the midterms will determine what that time ultimately means. The shutdown threat may have been pushed beyond Election Day. The bigger question for Trump is whether voters will give Republicans another chance to control Washington. For now, the government stays open. For Trump, however, the political countdown to November has only become more important.

<p>Donald Trump avoids a pre-midterm shutdown, but low approval, Democratic enthusiasm and narrow GOP majorities make the 2026 elections a major test</p>

Donald Trump dodges a shutdown. Now comes the bigger test: The midterm elections

<p>Republican Donald Trump is getting brutal in roasting post his&nbsp;victory in the US presidential election. After taking several digs at Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris, the president-elect has now taken shots at Liz Cheney, who represents&nbsp;Wyoming&nbsp;in&nbsp;the US House of Representatives.</p>

<p>Trump said Democrats made a mistake by involving two losers in their campaign-Cheney and her father Dick Cheney.</p>

<p>In a post on Truth Social, Trump’s very own social media platform, he said bringing “losers” into a political campaign is not a good idea.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-vivek-ramaswamy-supports-trumps-mass-deportation-plan-says-immigration-system-broken-775205">Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy supports Trump's mass deportation plan, says immigration system 'broken'</a></p>

<p>"The Democrats made a BIG mistake in getting Crazy Liz Chaney, and her father, Dick, involved in their campaign for President. It made the Republicans angry, and the Democrats just plain scratching their heads in amazement. It is always a bad idea to bring “losers” into a political campaign!" Trump wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>Liz Cheney should have 'nine barrels shooting at her,' Trump once said</strong></h2>

<p>Trump’s hostility towards Liz Cheney is not new. Before his electoral victory, Trump criticised her&nbsp;as a “radical war hawk” who should have “nine barrels shooting at her.” This led to quite an outrage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a campaign event with Tucker Carlson in Arizona earlier in November, Trump said, “She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Let’s see how she feels about it, you know when the guns are trained on her face.”</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>'Trump Heights' Residents Hopeful After Donald Trump's Win In Polls</strong></p>

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<p>The Harris campaign blasted Trump for his “violent rhetoric,” claiming he was “talking about sending a prominent Republican to the firing squad.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kamala Harris later even raised the issue before reporters in Nevada, saying, “Anyone who wants to be president of the United States, who uses that kind of violent rhetoric, is clearly disqualified and unqualified to be president.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-tariffs-could-spark-inflation-if-global-trade-responds-says-kashkari-775189">Trump tariffs could spark inflation if global trade responds, says Kashkari</a></p>

<p>To diffuse the situation, later Trump covered up by saying, “All I’m saying about Liz Cheney is that she is a War Hawk, and a dumb one at that, but she wouldn’t have ‘the guts’ to fight herself. Her father decimated the Middle East, and other places, and got rich by doing so. He’s caused plenty of DEATH, and probably never even gave it a thought. That’s not what we want running our Country!”</p>

<p>Cheney is the daughter of former Republican vice-president Dick Cheney. She and her father had endorsed and campaigned for Harris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Republican Donald Trump is getting brutal in roasting post his victory in the US presidential election. After taking several digs at Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris, the president-elect has now taken shots at Liz Cheney, who represents Wyoming in the US House of Representatives.

Republican Donald Trump is getting brutal in roasting post his victory in the US presidential election. After taking several digs at Vice President and Democrat Kamala Harris, the president-elect has now taken shots at Liz Cheney, who represents Wyoming in the US House of Representatives. Trump said Democrats made a mistake by involving two losers in their campaign-Cheney and her father Dick Cheney. In a post on Truth Social, Trump’s very own social media platform, he said bringing “losers” into a political campaign is not a good idea. Also Read | Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy supports Trump's mass deportation plan, says immigration system 'broken' "The Democrats made a BIG mistake in getting Crazy Liz Chaney, and her father, Dick, involved in their campaign for President. It made the Republicans angry, and the Democrats just plain scratching their heads in amazement. It is always a bad idea to bring “losers” into a political campaign!" Trump wrote. Liz Cheney should have 'nine barrels shooting at her,' Trump once said Trump’s hostility towards Liz Cheney is not new. Before his electoral victory, Trump criticised her as a “radical war hawk” who should have “nine barrels shooting at her.” This led to quite an outrage. At a campaign event with Tucker Carlson in Arizona earlier in November, Trump said, “She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK?” “Let’s see how she feels about it, you know when the guns are trained on her face.” Watch | 'Trump Heights' Residents Hopeful After Donald Trump's Win In Polls × The Harris campaign blasted Trump for his “violent rhetoric,” claiming he was “talking about sending a prominent Republican to the firing squad.” Kamala Harris later even raised the issue before reporters in Nevada, saying, “Anyone who wants to be president of the United States, who uses that kind of violent rhetoric, is clearly disqualified and unqualified to be president.” Also Read | Trump tariffs could spark inflation if global trade responds, says Kashkari To diffuse the situation, later Trump covered up by saying, “All I’m saying about Liz Cheney is that she is a War Hawk, and a dumb one at that, but she wouldn’t have ‘the guts’ to fight herself. Her father decimated the Middle East, and other places, and got rich by doing so. He’s caused plenty of DEATH, and probably never even gave it a thought. That’s not what we want running our Country!” Cheney is the daughter of former Republican vice-president Dick Cheney. She and her father had endorsed and campaigned for Harris. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says Dems made a 'big mistake' by involving two 'losers' in their campaign

<p><strong>US elections 2024</strong>: The Instagram-famous pet squirrel&nbsp;Peanut was euthanised on November 1 by New York wildlife officials and this soon became a campaign talking point, two days ahead of the US presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From Republicans Donald Trump, and JD Vance to Elon Musk and other supporters of Trump, everyone started slamming the Democrats for the euthanasia of the squirrel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump’s vice presidential pick Vance said on Sunday (Nov 3) that Trump was “fired up” about Peanut’s death. He said this during a campaign rally in North Carolina’s Sanford.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> will save the squirrels 🐿️ 😢<br />
<br />
RIP P’Nut <a href="https://t.co/yoIBV0Okpd">pic.twitter.com/yoIBV0Okpd</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1852738470017700051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The same government that doesn't care about hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant criminals coming into our country doesn't want us to have pets," the Ohio senator told supporters in North Carolina. "It's the craziest thing."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-boasts-his-every-rally-is-full-as-cameraman-pans-to-empty-seats-773105">Watch | Trump boasts his 'every rally is full' as cameraman pans to empty seats</a></strong></p>

<p>The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the animal on October 30 as they were notified of potentially unsafe&nbsp;housing for the pet.</p>

<p>But why there is a lot of political hullabaloo over a squirrel?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Peanut&nbsp;the squirrel became latest campaign talking point in US elections</strong></h2>

<p>Peanut&nbsp;the squirrel was rescued by a man named Mark Longo after its mother was run over by a car. Peanut has been with Mark for seven long years and is quite popular on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some of Peanut’s viral videos include Peanut nibbling on waffles, donning tiny hats and costumes, and jumping through loops. The page had 540,000 followers as of Sunday.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB3-6Jdu-cp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Peanut The Squirrel (@peanut_the_squirrel12)</a></p>
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<p>Since 2023, Mark and his wife Daniela have been running an animal sanctuary called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary which has around 300 animals.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-night-order-of-chaos-possible-scenarios-after-trump-vs-harris-explained-773116">US Election Night: Order or chaos? Possible scenarios after Trump vs Harris, explained</a></strong></p>

<p>On October 30, the DEC “forcefully” seized two pets of Mark- Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon, as the department received complaints over “unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies.” After this, the authorities euthanised both the animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soon, Republicans and netizens started blaming the ruling government of Democrats for such an unprecedented act.</p>

<p>Besides Vance, Republicans like New York Congressman Nick Langworthy also slammed the "unannounced raid", saying the state has sanctuaries for illegal immigrants but not for innocent pets.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US elections 2024: The Instagram-famous pet squirrel Peanut was euthanised on November 1 by New York wildlife officials and this soon became a campaign talking point, two days ahead of the US presidential election.

US elections 2024: The Instagram-famous pet squirrel Peanut was euthanised on November 1 by New York wildlife officials and this soon became a campaign talking point, two days ahead of the US presidential election. From Republicans Donald Trump, and JD Vance to Elon Musk and other supporters of Trump, everyone started slamming the Democrats for the euthanasia of the squirrel. Trump’s vice presidential pick Vance said on Sunday (Nov 3) that Trump was “fired up” about Peanut’s death. He said this during a campaign rally in North Carolina’s Sanford. President @realDonaldTrump will save the squirrels 🐿️ 😢 RIP P’Nut pic.twitter.com/yoIBV0Okpd — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 2, 2024 × "The same government that doesn't care about hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant criminals coming into our country doesn't want us to have pets," the Ohio senator told supporters in North Carolina. "It's the craziest thing." Also Read | Watch | Trump boasts his 'every rally is full' as cameraman pans to empty seats The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized the animal on October 30 as they were notified of potentially unsafe housing for the pet. But why there is a lot of political hullabaloo over a squirrel? How Peanut the squirrel became latest campaign talking point in US elections Peanut the squirrel was rescued by a man named Mark Longo after its mother was run over by a car. Peanut has been with Mark for seven long years and is quite popular on Instagram. Some of Peanut’s viral videos include Peanut nibbling on waffles, donning tiny hats and costumes, and jumping through loops. The page had 540,000 followers as of Sunday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peanut The Squirrel (@peanut_the_squirrel12) × Since 2023, Mark and his wife Daniela have been running an animal sanctuary called P’Nuts Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary which has around 300 animals. Also Read | US Election Night: Order or chaos? Possible scenarios after Trump vs Harris, explained On October 30, the DEC “forcefully” seized two pets of Mark- Peanut the Squirrel and Fred the Raccoon, as the department received complaints over “unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies.” After this, the authorities euthanised both the animals. Soon, Republicans and netizens started blaming the ruling government of Democrats for such an unprecedented act. Besides Vance, Republicans like New York Congressman Nick Langworthy also slammed the "unannounced raid", saying the state has sanctuaries for illegal immigrants but not for innocent pets. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections 2024: How Peanut the squirrel became latest campaign talking point