Voters will decide on key races in the House of Representatives and the Senate that could determine the balance of power in Congress, as well as ballot measures in several states surrounding key issues such as abortion and transgender athletes in school sports.
As of Monday, Oct. 13, the data shows that the 2026 midterm election is already among the three most-searched midterm elections in Google Trends history.
What does the data show for House and Senate races?
Google Trends data shows U.S. Senate races are catching voters’ attention at a high rate.
Searches related to Senate elections are roughly four to five times higher than searches for House races nationwide, suggesting that voters may see Senate contests as having greater consequences for the balance of power in Washington.
Heading into November, Republicans hold a narrow five-seat majority over Democrats in the U.S. House. Sixty members of the House announced they are not seeking reelection, opening up opportunities for a new slate of candidates to take their places.
But because every gained seat for Democrats is a lost seat for Republicans, the GOP can only afford to lose two seats before the majority flips in the House.
Currently in the Senate, Republicans have a six-seat advantage in Congress’ upper chamber. Because one gain for Democrats is a loss for Republicans, the GOP only needs to lose four seats for control to flip, potentially with major implications for how effectively the government runs over the next two years.
The issues voters are researching
Among the major issues highlighted by Google Trends are:
— Crime
— Health care
— Immigration
— The economy
— Iran conflict
Abortion has also been a topic of interest for voters throughout the year. In November, several states will have ballot measures where resident will decide on abortion access and restrictions.
Topics related to economic concerns remain deeply embedded in voter searches throughout the year. Google Trends data shows that voters have searched the following terms:
— Mortgage rates
— Cost of living
— Gas prices
— Rent
— Inflation
The searches come as inflation accelerated in August as gas prices spiked in the wake of renewed fighting in the Middle East. Cost of food and other products have also risen. Last week, PepsiCo said it was raising prices on Doritos and other favorites, citing rising costs for fuel, aluminum and commodities.
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is at its highest level in nearly three years. The benchmark 30-year fix-rate mortgage climbed to 7.4%, compared 6.3% a year ago.
