Bernalillo County voters weigh local and national stakes in 2026 midterms

Polls in Bernalillo County opened at 7 a.m. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, inviting residents of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho to cast ballots in the midterm elections. The polls remain open until 7 p.m. Local time, allowing voters ample opportunity to participate in this pivotal halfway point of President Donald Trump's second term. Residents can find their specific polling locations through the vote.gov website or by contacting their state election office. The day marks a critical moment for New Mexico, with the state's U.S. Senate seat and the open governor's race featuring on the ballot.

In the state Senate race, incumbent Ben Ray Lujan is running for re-election against a Republican opponent. Both parties are actively campaigning for this seat, which is one of 35 Senate positions up for grabs nationwide. The outcome of this race contributes to the broader fight for control of the U.S. Senate, where Democrats currently hold 45 seats and Republicans hold 53, with two independents caucusing with the Democrats. A net gain of four seats is required for Democrats to secure a majority in the chamber.

The governor's race in New Mexico is an open seat, as no incumbent is running for re-election. This contest is part of a national trend where 36 governorships are on the ballot. Currently, Republicans hold 26 governor's offices and Democrats hold 24. For Democrats to achieve a nationwide majority in statehouses, they must win a net gain of two governorships. This shift would mark the first time Democrats have held a majority of governorships since 2010.

Nationally, the midterm elections are shaping up as a referendum on the president's performance, with voters expressing concerns over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. AP-NORC polling indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while only 25% approve of his handling of the economy. Approximately seven in ten adults believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. These sentiments are driving high voter engagement, with more than 57 million people having already cast early votes as of Monday.

Among the ten named governor races that have drawn significant national attention, Georgia features a matchup between Republican health care executive Rick Jackson and Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. They are vying to succeed Brian Kemp in a state that is currently leaning Democratic in Senate races. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo faces Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in a contest that reflects the state's recent political shifts.

Ohio presents another high-profile contest where Republican Vivek Ramaswamy competes against Democrat Amy Acton. Ramaswamy's campaign recently faced backlash over an advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother. In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is defending her seat in a state that Trump won in 2024. Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro is also defending his position, contributing to the Democrats' effort to hold their ground in states that voted for the president last cycle.

Michigan and Wisconsin see Democratic governors defending their offices in states where Trump secured victories in 2024. Michigan's race is particularly competitive, with the Senate seat also in play. In Kansas, a traditionally Republican state, the governor's race is part of a broader push to maintain Republican dominance in the region. New Hampshire and Vermont feature Republican incumbents, Kelly Ayotte and Phil Scott respectively, defending their seats in states where Kamala Harris won the presidency in 2024.

Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to hold the Senate. One or two seats could determine the outcome of either chamber. Democrats, meanwhile, are described as cautiously optimistic about their prospects. The high cost of these elections is notable, with Republican committees outspending their Democratic counterparts at the committee level, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents.

Election administration has been a point of contention, with a federal judge temporarily barring the Trump administration from a plan to prevent noncitizen voting. Critics argue this risks disenfranchising eligible voters. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours and staff to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. In Bernalillo County, local officials are monitoring these national developments while focusing on the smooth operation of polls in their jurisdiction.

As the day progresses, voters in Bernalillo County and across the nation are making their final choices. The results of these elections will determine the balance of power in Congress and statehouses for the next two years. With polls open until 7 p.m., the outcome remains undecided, and the political landscape is poised for significant changes based on the votes cast today.