In less than three months, the public will go to the polls to select representation for the 116th Congress, which begins in January 2019. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the seats in the Senate will be up for reelection, giving voters the opportunity potentially to reshape policy-making for the next two years.

President Trump will not be on the ballot this November, but Democrats and Republicans will ensure that the President’s policies and controversies receive a public debate before voters cast their ballots.

This report seeks to provide insight into the upcoming 2018 midterm elections by delving into the historical and political patterns that have shaped previous midterm contests. The report will look at how presidential popularity and historical precedent can shape outcomes. It will explore the current state of play of the overall dynamics in the House and Senate races. Finally, the report will look at each party’s strategy for success this fall.