Election 2026 live updates: Preliminary Voter Poll shows Trump, economy disapproval

The first polls for the 2026 midterms have closed at 6 p.m. ET in most of Indiana and Kentucky.

Incumbent Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who is running for reelection, made a final push for Republican voters to turn out, saying rural values are "at stake" in a Fox News interview on Tuesday afternoon.

"If Republicans across the state realize their values are at stake and turn out and vote by 7 o'clock tonight, we will ensure victories once again for Republicans up and down the ballot," he said.

Asked about a decline in Hispanic support for the GOP, Abbott said he was confident that once Hispanic voters learn about Democrats' "real positions," they will turn to the Republican Party.

"I'm tracking along my historic norms with regard to Hispanic voters, and we feel very confident that as Hispanics learn about the radical ideology that these Democrats stand for, such as transgender surgeries for children, such as boys in girls sports, they are against policies like that," Abbott said.

-ABC News' Catherine Bouvet

The North Carolina State Board of Elections announced Tuesday afternoon that it will extend voting hours at five precincts in four counties across the state, due to issues that resulted in voting delays.

"It is not unusual for minor issues to occur at polling sites that result in brief disruptions to voting," the board said in a statement.

Polls were scheduled to be closed at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The board added that election officials can not release results while voting continues in this districts and it will not publish unofficial results until all polls are closed.

"As such, the first results are expected to be posted at around 8:15 P.M.," the board said.

-ABC News' Halle Troadec

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said he's hopeful that Democrats will come away from Tuesday's election with a majority in the House and Senate.

Speaking to ABC News’ Kyra Phillips, Kelly said even if Democrats win both chambers, they'll have to work alongside Republicans and the president to get legislation across the line.

7:11

Democrats eye control of Congress as midterm election results loomArizona Sen. Mark Kelly joins ABC News’ Kyra Phillips to discuss Democrats’ midterm prospects, voters’ economic concerns, his potential 2028 presidential bid and U.S. military aid to Israel.

ABCNews.com

When asked what are his top three legislative priorities if Democrats take control of Congress, Kelly emphasized “delivering for people where it’s going to help them in their lives.”

Kelly went on to list reducing fuel costs, changing course on tariff policy, and expanding Medicaid coverage as examples.

“It’s time for hardworking Americans to get a little help,” Kelly said.

-ABC News’ Kyra Phillips, Thomas Santomarco, Bridget Perry, Olivia Osteen