Polls close in six states as early 2026 midterm results start to roll in

Polls have closed in Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, delivering the first midterm results of 2026. In Georgia, CBS News race ratings show incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff pulling ahead in the Senate race he first won in 2021. South Carolina’s Senate contest between GOP Sen. Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews is a toss‑up, as is the governor’s race in Georgia. In Virginia, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner has secured another term, according to CBS projections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Democrats are “on the verge” of reclaiming the House but warned nothing is certain, adding the early vote numbers are strong across blue, swing and red states. Jeffries declined to estimate seat gains, said the goal is to reach 218 and beyond, and noted the first person he will call after the election is his mother. President Donald Trump, speaking in an exclusive phone interview before the polls closed, asserted he holds “the ultimate power — it’s called ‘veto’” and welcomed the nickname “Mr. Veto.” He cited the Supreme Court’s 6‑3 decision in Trump v. Slaughter, which let him fire FTC member Rebecca Slaughter and, in his view, expanded presidential control over federal agencies regardless of congressional majorities. Exit polls reveal roughly three‑quarters of voters are dissatisfied with the country’s direction, with economic anxiety higher than in 2024 and mirroring 2022 midterm sentiment. Trump’s job approval sits at 38%, the lowest midterm rating recorded for a sitting president, and six in ten voters say the president influences their House vote, especially among those backing Democrats. ## Context The election night updates follow earlier coverage on 04 Nov 2026 that tracked how midterm outcomes could shift control of Congress.