By Basant El-Faramawy
BBC News has outlined its multi-platform coverage for the 2026 United States midterm elections, offering audiences worldwide live results, analysis, and interactive tools as voters cast ballots on November 3.
Online and digital streaming
The BBC News website and app will stream the corporation's election results programme from 18:30 EST (23:30 GMT) when East Coast polls close, with the feed also available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC News YouTube channel. A live page will provide real-time updates, reaction, and analysis, while an interactive results service will track vote counts in every state. Audiences can also subscribe to Anthony Zurcher's Politics Unspun newsletter for comprehensive analysis.
Television broadcast
BBC One and the BBC News Channel will air live coverage from Washington starting at 18:30 EST (23:30 GMT), hosted by Clive Myrie from the Capitol with Sumi Somaskanda and Caitríona Perry in the Washington studio. Correspondents will report from battleground states, while North America editor Sarah Smith and correspondent Anthony Zurcher provide analysis. BBC analysis editor Ros Atkins will break down key results as they arrive. BBC Breakfast will present a results round-up on BBC One from 01:00 EST (06:00 GMT) on November 4, assessing implications for the final two years of the presidential term.
Radio and podcasts
Special radio coverage begins at 18:00 EST (23:00 GMT) on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service, presented by James Coomarasamy and Asma Khalid. The Today programme on Radio 4 will continue reaction from Washington from 01:00 EST (06:00 GMT) on November 4. The Americast podcast will become a daily show during election week, featuring Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, Anthony Zurcher, and Marianna Spring.
Results sourcing and projections
The BBC relies on two partners, the Associated Press and CBS News, for race calls. When a partner determines a candidate has an insurmountable lead, the BBC labels it a "projection," not an official result. Final certified results may come days or weeks after election day.
Audience engagement
BBC News invites audience questions about the midterms through a contact form and links to related guides on the midterm process, key Senate races, battleground regions, and the US economy under the current administration.
