Election Day for 2026 midterm arrives as Texans head to the polls

Key Points:

• The 2026 election cycle features eight of the ten most expensive gubernatorial races in U.S. history, with California leading at approximately $350.3 million spent, including significant personal spending by liberal billionaire Tom Steyer.
• Nine of the ten most expensive House races ever are in this cycle, with Michigan's seventh district being the priciest at over $66 million, contested between Democrat Will Lawrence and Republican incumbent Tom Barrett.
• Three Senate races in Texas, Ohio, and Michigan rank among the top ten most expensive ever, with expenditures of about $594.1 million, $525.5 million, and $382.1 million respectively.
• US astronauts aboard the International Space Station participated in the 2026 midterm elections by voting electronically from orbit, highlighting the extension of voting rights beyond Earth.
• Harris County, Texas, reports high voter turnout with over 88,000 votes cast since polls opened; officials addressed early voting center issues and encouraged residents to vote despite weather concerns, emphasizing the importance of exercising voting rights.