Last Updated:May 23, 2026, 16:01 IST
Politically, midterms are often seen as a public report card on the sitting president.
US Representative Thomas Massie gives his concession speech to supporters after losing the Republican primary in Kentucky’s 4th congressional district in the US House of Representatives. (REUTERS)
Long before Americans vote in the November midterm elections, the battle for political survival has already begun inside the two major parties themselves.
That reality was visible this week when Thomas Massie, a seven-term Republican congressman from Kentucky, lost the Republican nomination for another term after being challenged by Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein.
The result raised a broader question: if the US midterm elections are scheduled for November, how could a sitting congressman already lose in May?
The answer lies in America’s complicated primary election system — an internal political battle that often determines the real winner months before the country votes in the midterm election. And in many parts of the US, especially strongly Republican or Democratic regions, these primaries matter more than the November election itself.
What Are America’s Midterm Elections?
The United States holds national elections every two years. Presidential elections take place every four years. But midway through a president’s term, the country holds what are known as midterm elections.
These midterms are politically crucial because they decide who controls the US Congress — the institution responsible for passing laws, approving budgets and shaping much of the president’s agenda.
The US Congress has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate, often called the upper chamber, has 100 members, with each US state electing two senators regardless of population size. Senators serve six-year terms, but elections are staggered, meaning only about one-third of the Senate faces election every two years.
The House of Representatives, or lower chamber, has 435 members. Unlike the Senate, House seats are distributed according to population, meaning larger states get more representatives. Members of the House serve two-year terms, which is why all 435 seats are contested in every midterm election.
This year’s midterms are being closely watched because they are widely seen as the first nationwide political test of Donald Trump’s second term in office.
In November, Americans will vote for:
- All 435 seats in the House of Representatives
- Around one-third of the 100-member Senate
- Several governors and state legislatures
At present, Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but only narrowly. In the 2024 elections, Republicans retained control of the House with 220 seats to the Democrats’ 215, the slimmest House majority since 1930. That slim margin means even a handful of losses could change the balance of power in Washington.
So Why Are Elections Happening Already?
Because the November midterm elections are actually the final stage of a much longer process. Before Republicans and Democrats can face each other in midterms, each party first has to decide who its official candidates will be. That internal selection process is known as a primary election.
Primaries begin months before the November vote and are held state by state. In simple terms, they are elections inside political parties themselves.
Republicans vote to choose the Republican candidate. Democrats vote to choose the Democratic candidate. Only after these nominees are selected do they face off in the November general election.
That means a politician can lose long before November if voters from his or her own party reject them during the primaries.
In heavily Republican or Democratic districts, the dominant party’s nominee is often strongly favoured to win the final election, making the primary the most decisive contest.
Who Can Vote In Primaries?
The rules vary from state to state.
Some states have “closed primaries”, where only registered party members can vote in that party’s election. So only registered Republicans can participate in the Republican primary.
Other states use “open primaries”, where voters can choose which party’s primary they want to vote in regardless of party registration.
Some have “semi-closed primaries”, where voters who are not formally registered with any political party can choose which party’s primary they want to participate in. However, voters registered with a specific party can vote only in that party’s primary. For instance, a registered Democrat can vote only in the Democratic primary, while an independent voter may choose either the Democratic or Republican primary.
Why Was Thomas Massie Targeted By Trump?
Massie had drawn Trump’s ire by opposing military action against Iran, backing efforts that led to the release of files linked to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and resisting parts of the president’s broader agenda.
His defeat in what became the most expensive House primary race in US history underscored Trump’s continuing influence within the Republican Party, and the political risks faced by Republicans who openly break ranks with him.
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News explainers What Happens Before US Midterms? Understanding America’s Primary ElectionsDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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