Bucks County voters head to polls for governor, House and state races

Voters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, are casting their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a midterm election that determines the balance of power in the United States Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Polls in Pennsylvania are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m. Local time. Residents in the county’s towns, including Philadelphia, Bethlehem, and Allentown, can locate their specific polling places by visiting vote.gov or contacting their state election office. This election serves as a referendum on the current administration, with many voters expressing concern over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran.

The most prominent state race on the ballot in Pennsylvania is for governor. Incumbent Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro is running for re-election against Republican and Libertarian challengers. Ballotpedia confirms that the governor’s office is up for election, with Shapiro seeking to retain the seat he currently holds. The Associated Press identifies Pennsylvania as one of several key battleground states where Democrats are defending governorships in states that Trump won in 2024. In addition to the governor, every seat in the state’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives is on the ballot, alongside state and local offices that vary by county.

There is no U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania this year, meaning the state’s two Senate seats remain unchanged by today’s vote. However, the national implications are significant, as 35 Senate seats are up for grabs across the country. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats hold 45, with two independents caucusing with the Democrats. To secure a majority, Democrats need a net gain of four seats, a threshold that is difficult to reach given the current landscape. The Senate race is fiercely contested, with 13 races rated as battlegrounds by major political forecasters.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, all 435 seats are up for election. Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need to gain a net three districts to take control of the chamber, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. Ballotpedia counts 46 battleground districts, with 25 currently held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. The Associated Press highlights that 60 House incumbents, including 23 Democrats and 37 Republicans, have chosen not to run again, creating numerous open seats that could shift the balance of power.

Voters in Bucks County are also deciding on state and local measures that vary by jurisdiction. The Associated Press notes that more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. This legal development has added a layer of complexity to the election administration process nationwide.

The mood among voters is marked by a mix of anger and cautious optimism. 35% of U.S. Adults approve of President Trump’s job performance, while only 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most blaming the president for high prices. In Pennsylvania, voters are weighing the local impact of national economic trends, with many citing higher costs for healthcare and taxes as key factors in their decision to vote.

Money is playing a significant role in this election, with the 2026 contests likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. Analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024, including areas where he won by 10 points or more. This strategic allocation of funds reflects the Republican focus on protecting their base while attempting to hold the Senate.

Key matchups in other states are drawing national attention, with the Associated Press highlighting races in North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Maine, and New Hampshire. In North Carolina, former Governor Roy Cooper is facing Michael Whatley for the Senate seat vacated by Thom Tillis. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff is challenging Representative Mike Collins. In Ohio, former Senator Sherrod Brown is running against Senator Jon Husted. These races are critical to the national fight for control of Congress, with the Associated Press noting that one or two seats could tip the balance in either chamber. The outcome of these elections will determine the level of oversight and investigation that the White House faces in the coming years.

For voters in Bucks County, the process is straightforward, with ID rules varying by state. Anyone in line when polls close at 8 p.m. Is entitled to vote. The Associated Press notes that Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances. The election is seen as a critical test for the Democratic Party’s ability to unite and present a compelling message to voters. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be the first Black speaker and has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight.