2026 Midterms: When and Where to Watch Election Night Results Live
From CNN's 4 p.m. kickoff to Fox News' primetime specials, here is exactly when and where to watch the 2026 midterm results.
Wake up, it’s Election Day. The first Tuesday in November marks the 2026 midterm elections, where voters will determine control of Congress, including the entire House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats, according to NBC News [1].
Beyond federal races, the spotlight also falls on statehouses. A guide from Stonybrook University’s Center for Civic Justice notes that 36 states and three territories are holding gubernatorial elections today, adding significant stakes to the night’s tallying process [1].
For those cutting the cord, CNN is kicking off its "Election Day in America" coverage at 12 a.m. ET, with Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper set to begin special coverage from Washington, D.C., at 4 p.m. ET, per the network’s Oct. 28 press release [1]. Viewers can stream this live on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, or via a CNN All Access subscription for $6.99 per month.
NBC News will launch its primetime coverage at 5 p.m. ET, featuring Tom Llamas, Savannah Guthrie, Kristen Welker, and Hallie Jackson, as reported by Variety [1]. Peacock subscribers can also stream NBC’s "Decision 26" coverage starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Fox News viewers can tune in at 6 p.m. ET, when Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum co-anchor the "FOX News Democracy 26" special, available via the FOX ONE app which offers a three-day free trial [1]. Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow heads MS NOW’s primetime coverage at 6 p.m. ET, with Antonia Hylton and Alicia Menendez anchoring watch parties from Atlanta and Houston, respectively, according to Variety.
ABC News coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET and streams on Disney+ and Hulu, while CBS News and NewsNation also start their primetime segments at 7 p.m. ET, Mashable reported [1]. For those seeking a free option, the Associated Press provides live updates on YouTube throughout the night.
Cord-cutters have several robust choices. DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial and flexible Genre Packs starting at $19.99 per month for tailored viewing [1]. Alternatively, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV all carry major broadcast networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS, with several offering free trials for new users. The story was first reported by New York Post.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- New York Post: Election Day 2026: How To Watch Election Night Results Live Online and on TV
Also reported by: HollywoodLife
