U.S. House of Representatives
435 voting seats
214Democratic
218Republican
1 Independent2 Vacancies
House Clerk’s published composition, October 13, 2026.
Current balance
U.S. Senate
100 seats
45Democratic
53Republican
2 Independents
Both independents caucus with Senate Democrats.
A full 435-member House has 218 votes as the majority threshold. A simple majority of senators present and voting ordinarily passes a measure; the vice president may break a tie. Actual vote thresholds depend on attendance and the question.
What the chambers do
Congress writes federal laws, appropriates federal funds, and exercises oversight. Each chamber has distinct powers.
House
Introduces and votes on legislation. Revenue-raising bills originate here. Has the sole power to impeach.
Senate
Introduces and votes on legislation. Confirms nominees and considers treaties; tries impeachments.
President
Signs or vetoes bills passed in identical form by both chambers. Congress can override a veto.
Bills may originate in either chamber except revenue-raising bills—bills whose purpose is to raise government revenue—which must begin in the House. Both chambers must approve the same text.
Committees
Chairs, hearings and which bills advance
Budget and spending
Appropriations and fiscal priorities
Floor agenda
Measures brought to a vote
Oversight
Investigations and agency scrutiny
Senate procedural distinction: Most legislation can face extended debate; ending debate through cloture generally requires 60 votes when all 100 seats are filled. Nominations ordinarily require only a simple majority.
On the ballot in 2026
435House seats
All voting districts elect a representative every two years.
All voting districts elect a representative every two years.
~⅓Senate seats
Senators serve six-year, staggered terms; Class II and certain special elections take place in 2026.
Senators serve six-year, staggered terms; Class II and certain special elections take place in 2026.
After the election
Unified control
When one party controls Congress and the presidency, advancing its agenda can require fewer cross-party negotiations, though procedural limits remain.
Split Congress
Different parties control the House and Senate. Legislation must still pass both chambers.
Divided government
The president and at least one chamber are controlled by different parties; legislation may require broader agreement or face vetoes.
Your Minnesota races
Find your U.S. House district, then compare its candidates. Every Minnesota voter also has the statewide U.S. Senate contest.
Official sources and publication notes
- U.S. House Clerk — House at a Glance, October 13, 2026: 218 Republicans, 214 Democrats, 1 independent, 2 vacant seats
- U.S. Senate — 53 Republican, 45 Democratic, 2 independent senators
- Senate — Class II term expiration in 2027
- U.S. House — Legislative process
- Senate — Voting requirements
Seat counts are a dated snapshot, not a live tracker. They should be reconfirmed before distribution and updated as vacancies or special elections change membership.