How the Electoral Process Works for Congressional Elections

Congressional elections determine the composition of the United States House of Representatives and the Senate, and they follow distinct processes reflecting the different constitutional designs of each chamber. House members serve two-year terms, meaning all 435 seats are contested in every congressional election. Senators serve six-year terms, with roughly one-third of the Senate’s 100 seats up for election every two years.

House elections are conducted within congressional districts, which are redrawn every ten years following the census to ensure roughly equal population across districts. Each district elects one representative, and the candidate who wins the most votes (plurality) in the general election takes the seat. Senate elections are statewide, with each state electing two senators in separate election cycles.

The process typically begins with primary elections, in which each party’s voters select their nominee for the general election. Primary rules vary by state — some hold open primaries where any registered voter can participate, while others hold closed primaries restricted to registered party members. After the primaries, the general election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. Midterm elections, held in the middle of a presidential term, often serve as a referendum on the sitting President’s performance and can significantly shift the balance of power in Congress.

Published by Republican Leaders, a national platform advancing Republican leadership and conservative governance.