Riverside Voters Weigh State and National Stakes in Midterm

Polls in Riverside County are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m., marking the final hours of the 2026 midterm election. As voters in Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, and Ontario cast their ballots, they participate in a statewide process that largely relies on mail-in voting. The day determines who controls Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term, a pivotal moment for the nation's legislative balance.

California voters face a unique ballot today. There is no U.S. Senate election in this state this year. Instead, the focus is on an open seat for governor, with no incumbent running, and every U.S. House seat in the state is up for grabs. Democrats and Republicans are both on the ballot for the governor's office, a race that has drawn significant national attention due to the state's population and political influence.

While Californians do not vote for a senator today, the state is part of a broader national contest involving 35 Senate seats. Republicans currently hold 53 seats and Democrats hold 45, with two independents caucusing with Democrats. For Democrats to gain a majority, they need a net gain of four seats, a hurdle that makes the battleground races in states like Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina critical. The Associated Press notes that these races often serve as a referendum on the president's performance and economic conditions.

The mood in California mirrors the national trend where voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. A recent poll indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. In Riverside, these economic pressures are palpable, with many residents citing the cost of living as their primary concern when deciding how to vote.

The U.S. House race is equally intense, with all 435 seats up for election. Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214, meaning Democrats need a net gain of three districts to take control of the chamber. Ballotpedia identifies 46 battleground districts nationwide, many of which are in states with new congressional maps resulting from mid-decade redistricting. California is one of six states using new maps, which could significantly alter the political landscape in the coming years.

Election administration has been a point of contention this cycle. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. In California, a judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that election officials segregate ballots cast by people on its lists of suspected noncitizens. These legal maneuvers have raised fears of interference, as the Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials.

The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time, a crucial step given that California conducts its elections largely by mail. As of Monday, more than 57 million people had already voted, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests a strong turnout today, which is essential for either party to achieve their goals in either chamber of Congress.

Money is playing a significant role in this election, which is likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. An AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024, indicating a strategic focus on solidifying their base in those areas.

In the governor's race, the open seat in California has attracted candidates from both major parties. The election is being watched closely as a bellwether for the nation's political direction. With no incumbent to defend the office, the race has been characterized by a focus on economic issues and the cost of living. Voters in Riverside County are making their final decisions today, with the outcome of this race potentially shaping the state's policies for the next four years.

As polls close at 8 p.m., the focus shifts to the national picture. If Democrats win even one chamber of Congress, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic night would also boost potential 2028 candidates like Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg, while complicating the path for Vice President JD Vance.

For now, the results are unknown, and voters are waiting to see how their choices will shape the next two years of American politics. The Associated Press describes the election as a critical test of the president's popularity and the effectiveness of his administration's policies. As the day draws to a close, the nation holds its breath, ready to see which party will control the legislative agenda in the coming years.