Donald Trump Begins Second Term, Midterm Elections Set for November 2026

Donald Trump began his second non-consecutive term as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, after winning the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris[5][10][11]. The United States midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026[2][7][8].

These political developments define the current course of American governance. The 2024 election marked a rare instance of a former president returning to the White House, while the approaching 2026 midterms will shape the balance of power in Congress. These elections will influence the legislative path for President Trump's second term.

What the records show

Former President Donald Trump secured his return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election[4][5][10]. Records state the election took place on November 5, 2024[5][15]. Trump defeated then-Vice President Kamala Harris, receiving 312 electoral votes to Harris's 226[5][14][15]. He was also projected to win the popular vote[5]. Trump's inauguration as the 47th President occurred on January 20, 2025[5][10][12]. His victory made him the second U.S. president to be elected to a non-consecutive second term, a status previously held by Grover Cleveland in 1892[4][5][14].

The timeline

The 2024 presidential election concluded on November 5, 2024[5][15]. Donald Trump was sworn into office for his second term on January 20, 2025[5][10][12]. The next federal elections, the 2026 midterm elections, will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026[2][7][8]. Federal elections occur on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years[7]. The subsequent presidential election is scheduled for November 7, 2028[1][3].

What changed and for whom

Donald Trump's return to the presidency means he now leads the executive branch for a second time, a unique occurrence in American political history since Grover Cleveland[4][5][10][14]. For the electorate, the 2026 midterm elections will present an opportunity to vote for over 40,000 open seats[9]. These include every seat in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate[9]. The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of Congress and will have implications for the legislative agenda during the remainder of President Trump's term[9].

What the subject has said publicly

The verified research provided does not include any public statements from President Trump regarding his second term's policy priorities or the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

What we could not confirm

The available evidence does not specify any particular policy proposals or legislative priorities for President Trump's second term. Information regarding the current leadership of the House of Representatives or Senate, or the specific political parties expected to contend for control in the 2026 midterm elections, was not available. No public statements from President Trump or other political figures specifically addressing the 2026 midterms were provided.