Political Dictionary
A midterm election occurs halfway through a president’s four-year term and determines many federal, state, and local offices.
Definition
A midterm election is the regularly scheduled federal election held two years after a presidential election. All 435 voting seats in the House of Representatives are contested, along with roughly one-third of Senate seats. Many governors, state legislators, judges, county officials, and local officials may also appear on the ballot.
Why It Matters
Midterms can change control of Congress and therefore affect legislation, investigations, confirmations, budgets, and oversight of the president. They also serve as an important measure of public approval or dissatisfaction with the governing party.
How It Works
Candidates compete in party primaries and then in the November general election. Voters do not elect a president, but they select members of Congress and many state and local officials. Turnout has traditionally been lower than in presidential years, although participation has increased in some recent cycles.
History
Midterm elections have occurred since the early years of the federal government because House members serve two-year terms and senators serve staggered six-year terms. The president’s party has often lost House seats during midterms, though the size and pattern of losses vary.
Example
If the president’s party controls the House before a midterm but loses enough districts, the opposition party can gain the speakership and committee control.
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