What are midterm elections?

Midterm elections are specifically defined as elections that occur halfway through a President's four-year term. This timing is significant as it allows voters to make decisions on various elected offices, including all 435 members of the House of Representatives and about one-third of the Senate, as well as numerous state and local offices. These elections provide an opportunity for citizens to express their approval or disapproval of the incumbent President's performance and set the stage for potential shifts in political power.

The context of midterm elections is quite important in the political landscape, as they can greatly influence legislative agendas and the administration's ability to implement its policies. Additionally, since they occur at the midpoint of a presidential term, they often serve as a bellwether for the upcoming presidential election, revealing public sentiment on the current administration’s effectiveness.