ATLANTA — Voters across the country are heading to the polls Tuesday for the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats hoping to regain control of Congress as several traditionally Republican states face competitive races.

Democrats need to gain three seats in the U.S. House and four seats in the Senate to take control of both chambers. Republicans are working to maintain their congressional majorities.

ABC News Washington Bureau Chief Rick Klein says the political landscape has shifted in recent weeks, creating potential opportunities for Democrats in states that have historically favored Republicans.

“We went from a situation where Democrats really didn’t have much of a shot at taking the Senate, to suddenly talking about Senate races in places like South Carolina, and Mississippi. Not to mention Iowa, and Kansas, Texas, and Alaska,” Klein said.

Klein says economic concerns, unpopular wars and President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are among the factors shaping this year’s elections.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico is challenging Republican Ken Paxton in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

The contest has become the most expensive nonpresidential race in U.S. history, with more than $500 million in donations.

ABC News correspondent Whit Johnson, reporting from Austin, says affordability and the cost of living are major concerns among Texas voters.

“There’s also a close governor’s race and some key House races on the line, many expect Latino and rural voters to play a major role in who wins; and when it comes to the top issue it’s all about affordability and the cost of living.” Johnson said.

Johnson reports that some Republican voters are considering supporting Democrats because of rising costs, while some Texas farmers plan to continue voting Republican despite higher fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s Senate race is drawing attention as Democrat Abdul El-Sayed holds a double-digit lead over Republican Mike Rogers in the latest polling.

El-Sayed, who would become the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate if elected, has responded to campaign advertisements targeting his religion.

“We pray for the same things. We pray for opportunities for our kids,” El-Sayed said.

Rogers has also addressed the campaign rhetoric.

“This election was never about how someone prays,” Rogers said.

ABC News correspondent Lionel Moise reports that Rogers received an endorsement from the Democratic congresswoman El-Sayed defeated in the primary. El-Sayed says his campaign received record donations in the hours following that endorsement.

In Georgia, voters are deciding a closely contested governor’s race between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Polling has shown a tight race for governor, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff has maintained a lead over Republican challenger Mike Collins in most surveys.

ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott says Republicans will need to defend several traditionally Republican states to maintain control of the Senate.

“For Republicans to keep control of the Senate, what they’re going to have to do is defend their home turf tonight. They’re going to want to keep all of these red states, they’re also going to try to go on the offense in that critical state there in Michigan, but of course President Trump is entering this election with record low approval ratings,” Scott said.

Nearly 60 million Americans have already voted early, including many who submitted ballots by mail.

Amber McReynolds, chair of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, says the agency has used additional staffing to help deliver ballots.

“Our employee base is extremely proud to deliver democracy for the American people and serve the public in this way and we take the trust that we’ve earned with them very seriously,” McReynolds said.

A judge previously blocked a Trump administration order that would have prevented the Postal Service from delivering ballots in states, including Georgia, that refused to provide their voter rolls.

As Election Day continues, voters nationwide are weighing economic concerns and the cost of living while deciding which party will control Congress.

Stay with 95.5 WSB for live Election Night coverage beginning at 6 p.m. with a “WSB Hosts Roundtable” moderated by Chris Chandler.

Starting at 8 p.m., 95.5 WSB will provide continuous coverage of races and results as they come in throughout the night.