Democratic strategist Joel Payne stated in October 2026 that Republican ad spending in deep-red states like Kansas and Mississippi indicated GOP concern over holding congressional seats

Bicameral federal legislature of the United States, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which writes law, controls federal spending and oversees the executive branch. Its two chambers represent states and districts on different terms and hold different constitutional powers.

Federal and state elections held midway through a presidential term, deciding control of Congress and many governorships. Turnout falls well below presidential years and the president's party usually loses ground, which makes them a standing referendum on the sitting administration.