Tarrant County voters weigh Trump's final two years and Texas power
Polls are open in Fort Worth and Arlington as voters decide who controls Congress and whether Republican Governor Greg Abbott keeps his office.
By Grace Sullivan ·
Polls opened at 7 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for voters in Tarrant County, Texas. Residents in Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, and Flower Mound have until 7 p.m. To cast ballots at their local polling places. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote. The state is divided between the Central and Mountain time zones, but most of Tarrant County falls within the Central zone. Voters can find their specific polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. ID rules vary by state, so voters are advised to check their specific requirements before heading to the polls.
This midterm election is being described by the Associated Press as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term. The results will determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of his presidency. All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for election, with Republicans currently holding 218 seats and Democrats holding 214. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can lose no more than two seats. In the U.S. Senate, 35 seats are on the ballot, including an open seat in Texas. Republicans hold 53 seats and Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to take control of that chamber.
In Texas, voters are also deciding the fate of the governor's office. Incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election. The Associated Press notes that Texas is one of the competitive governor races in the nation. The outcome of this race will influence the state's direction regarding economic policy and oversight for the next four years. Abbott faces a Democratic opponent in a contest that has drawn national attention due to the high stakes for Republican control of statehouses. Democrats hope to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades, a goal that hinges on performance in states like Texas.
The Texas Senate race is an open seat because incumbent John Cornyn did not win the primary runoff. The Associated Press identifies the matchup as Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton versus Democrat James Talarico. President Trump backed Paxton over Cornyn in the primary. This race is one of 13 battleground Senate contests identified by Ballotpedia. The 2024 presidential margin in Texas was Trump plus 13.6 points, which provides context for the competitiveness of the race. The winner will begin a six-year term on January 3, 2027. The result will determine who represents Texas in the upper chamber during the final two years of the Trump administration.
Voters across the country are weighing in on the economy, with the Associated Press reporting that many Americans are struggling with high prices. A poll conducted by AP and NORC found that 25 percent of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's handling of the economy. About seven in 10 respondents said the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most of those voters blamed the president for high prices. In Tarrant County, local concerns about the cost of living align with these national trends. Voters in the county are part of a broader group of more than 57 million people who had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.
Money plays a significant role in the 2026 elections, which are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. An analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024. This includes more than $850 million spent in areas where he won by 10 points or more. This spending strategy reflects an effort to protect Republican incumbents in safe districts.
Oversight is a key theme for Democrats if they gain control of either chamber. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. A strong Democratic night would also boost potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg. Republicans tried to beat the typical midterm pattern of losing seats by using redistricting. However, new districts in Florida and elsewhere may not vote as drawn, adding uncertainty to the final tallies.
Republicans were bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate. One or two seats could tip either chamber. Democrats were described as cautiously optimistic. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout and that if Republicans turn out their voters, they win. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said the American people are angry and want change. These sentiments reflect the divided mood among voters who are casting ballots on this Election Day.
Wall Street is watching the results for signs beyond congressional control. Results could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The outcome of the Texas races will be part of a broader national picture that influences economic policy. For Tarrant County residents, the votes cast today will shape the federal government's approach to oversight, the economy, and the final two years of the current presidential term.
