Suffolk voters decide House map, Senate race, and Healey bid

Polls across Suffolk County opened at 7 a.m. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the midterm election that will determine the balance of power in the U.S. Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The polls in Massachusetts will remain open until 8 p.m., allowing residents of Boston, Cambridge, Lynn, Quincy, Newton, and Somerville to cast their votes. Voters are selecting candidates for every U.S. House seat in the state, the U.S. Senate, and the governorship, along with various state and local offices and ballot measures.

The national stakes are defined by a razor-thin margin in the House of Representatives. All 435 seats are up for grabs, with Republicans currently holding 218 seats and Democrats holding 214. This split means Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. The Associated Press notes that this narrow three-seat margin makes the election a high-wire act for both parties, as even a slight shift in voter behavior could change which party controls the chamber.

Ballotpedia has identified 46 battleground districts across the country, a figure that reflects the competitive nature of this year's contest. Of these, 25 are currently held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. The complexity of the race is heightened by the fact that 21 districts held by Democrats voted for President Trump in 2024, while nine districts held by Republicans voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris. This crossover appeal suggests that many of these seats are highly contested and could swing based on local issues or national trends.

Adding to the volatility of the House race is the introduction of new congressional maps in seven states: California, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Ohio. These changes, resulting from mid-decade redistricting, have redistricted boundaries that may not vote as originally drawn. Republicans attempted to beat the traditional midterm pattern, where a president's party almost always loses seats, by utilizing these redistricting efforts. However, the new maps in states like Florida may present unexpected challenges for candidates from either party.

In Massachusetts, voters are also deciding the fate of the state's U.S. Senate seat, which is currently held by Democratic incumbent Edward J. Markey. Ballotpedia confirms that Markey is running for re-election against a Republican opponent. Simultaneously, Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, is on the ballot for the governor's office. These races are part of a broader statewide slate that includes state legislative seats and municipal government positions, which vary by county.

The mood among voters, as described by the Associated Press, is one of frustration with high prices and anger over an unpopular war with Iran. Polling from AP-NORC indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of President Trump's job performance, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests that turnout will be a critical factor in determining the outcome.

Financially, the 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outspending Democratic committees at the national level. This spending is heavily concentrated in states and districts that Trump won in 2024. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents, indicating a strong grassroots effort to compete in key districts. The Associated Press notes that Republicans were bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats were cautiously optimistic about their chances.

The Senate race involves 35 of 100 seats, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with Democrats. The Associated Press highlights that one or two seats could tip the balance in either chamber, making the outcome highly uncertain. In the governor's race, 36 governorships are up for grabs, with Democrats hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades.

Voters in Suffolk County are also weighing their opinions on several ballot measures, including Question 8, which would repeal laws permitting the sale of recreational marijuana, and Question 9, which would uphold the 2024 legislation modernizing firearm laws. These local decisions reflect the broader national debate on economic and social issues. The election is being viewed as a referendum on Trump's second term, with voters struggling with the cost of living and the direction of the country.

As polls close at 8 p.m., anyone in line when the time expires is entitled to vote. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours and staff to ensure mail ballots are counted on time, addressing concerns about delays in processing votes. Wall Street is closely watching the results, as Reuters notes that the outcome could impact investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The final tally will reveal whether Democrats can achieve the necessary gains to shift the balance of power in Congress.

If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be the first Black speaker and has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. The election results will also have implications for potential 2028 candidates, including Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, whose paths could be influenced by the strength of the Democratic performance tonight.