The 2010 Congressional Election

An Overview

The current make-up of the U.S. Senate is 58 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and two Independents. A temporary appointment currently holds the seat of Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy following his death in 2009. On January 19, 2010, there will be a special election to fill the seat.

Read More: 2010 Senate Races at a Glance
Read More: Who's Winning and Who's Not
Read More: The 7 Most Important Senate Races

The current make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives is 256 Democrats, 178 Republicans and one vacancy. All members of the House will face re-election in 2010. While it is unlikely that the Democratic Party will lose control of the House in 2010, historically the party that wins the White House loses seats in the following midterm elections. This, combined with the fact that Democrats currently hold a substantial majority in House, points to a likelihood that the Democrats will lose a large number of seats in the 2010.

Read More: Likely Voters and Unlikely Scenarios

The 2010 midterm elections will be tough for incumbent governors. They will likely be the target of frustrated voters, particularly in states that have had a difficult time weathering the economic crisis. With 36 gubernatorial races in 2010, expect big changes in governors’ mansions across the country.

Read More: The 6 Most Important Gubernatorial Races

Which party controls Congress? Which the White House? The answer reveals the "balance of power" between the two branches of government that have elected officials. Contrary to popular belief, most of the time in modern political history Congress and the President have been at odds; that is, the same political party has not typically controlled the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Only 10 times since 1945 have both branches of Congress and the Presidency been controlled by the same party.

Read More: Visual Guide: Which Party Controls Congress, The White House?