Voters in Texas and South Central states weigh tariffs and prices on Election Day

As polls open across the nation on this Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the economic mood of the country is the central theme of the midterm elections. The Associated Press describes the day as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, with many citizens struggling with high prices. In Texas, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., where voters face an open Senate seat and a race for governor against incumbent Greg Abbott. The stakes are high as the results will determine who controls Congress for the final two years of the current administration.

New data from AP-NORC polling indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of the president's job performance. Only 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most of these voters blame the administration for high prices. This sentiment is particularly sharp in the South Central states, where the cost of living has become a defining issue for both parties.

In Raleigh, North Carolina, James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian, highlighted the personal impact of these economic trends. He stated that he is paying more taxes and more for healthcare and everything else. His comments reflect the broader anxiety felt by independents who are deciding how to vote today. The race in North Carolina is an open Senate seat following the retirement of Thom Tillis, who clashed with the president. Democrats are hoping to gain ground in this state where Trump won by 3.3 percent in 2024.

Texas is a critical battleground for the Senate, with polls open until 7 p.m. The race features Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who received the president's backing in the primary, against Democrat James Talarico. The state voted for the president by 13.6 percent in the last presidential election. Voters here are weighing the national economic climate against local governance, as the governor's race also pits incumbent Greg Abbott against his challenger. The AP notes that the economic strain and tariffs have made several states more competitive than expected.

In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mark Barker offered a contrasting perspective on the administration's performance. He said he has been following the president the whole time and believes he is doing an awesome job. This split in opinion illustrates the divided electorate that both parties are trying to reach today. Florida is also holding an open Senate seat in a special election, adding to the number of key races that could shift the balance of power in Washington.

The Associated Press reports that Republicans are bracing to lose the House while fighting to hold the Senate. Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic, with their chair Rep. Suzan DelBene stating that the American people are angry and want change. In contrast, RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized that everything depends on turnout. He noted that if Republicans turn out their voters, they win, which is what the party has been planning for. These quotes highlight the different strategies each party is employing to motivate their base on election day.

In the South Central region, Oklahoma polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for an open Senate seat and an open governor race. Louisiana has polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for an open Senate seat, while Arkansas polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for incumbent Senator Tom Cotton and incumbent Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. These states are crucial for the Republican party, which holds 53 Senate seats and needs to lose no more than two to maintain its majority. The open seats in these states present opportunities for Democrats to make gains in traditionally Republican territory.

The issue of tariffs has become a significant factor in voter decision-making. The AP notes that economic strain and tariffs have made states like Maine competitive, and this trend is visible in the South Central states as well. Voters are looking for leaders who can address the rising cost of goods and services. The president's recent rallies, including one in Salina, Kansas, where he asked voters to pretend he is on the ballot, underscore the administration's focus on economic performance. His schedule included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas to rally support.

More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote of four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests that the election will be closely contested. The Associated Press analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This targeted spending reflects the party's strategy to protect its base while also trying to expand its reach in competitive districts.

The results of today's election will have significant implications for the future of the Republican party. A strong Democratic night could boost potential 2028 candidates like Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg, while a Republican hold could solidify the party's position. The Associated Press notes that if Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. This potential for increased oversight is a key motivation for many voters who are feeling the effects of high prices and economic uncertainty. The day's outcome will shape the legislative agenda for the next two years.

As the day progresses, election officials in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas are managing the logistics of a high-turnout election. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours and staff to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. A federal judge temporarily barred the administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. These administrative details are crucial to the smooth running of the election and the accuracy of the final results. Voters in these states are making their decisions based on a mix of local and national concerns.