Americans vote in midterms seen as verdict on Trump's second term

Polls have opened across the United States in midterm elections that will decide control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency. All 435 House seats are being contested. In the Senate, 35 of 100 seats are in play. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win the House, where Republicans hold 218 seats to 214 for the Democrats, with two vacancies. In the Senate, Republicans hold 53 seats to 47 for Democrats and independents who caucus with them. A net gain of four would give Democrats control.

Early voting was reported in the tens of millions. BBC News said about 60 million ballots had already been cast by midday, while BBC One later put the figure at 54 million.

Democrats are favoured to win the House, while the Senate is closer. Sky News cited an average of polls showing Democrats on 51.4% and Republicans on 42.6% in congressional voting. Trump is not on the ballot, but he told supporters to pretend he was, and voters are weighing the cost of living, tariffs and the war in Iran.

Hours before polls opened, the US military struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials described the strikes as limited and in self-defence after Iranian forces fired on a US aircraft. The war in Iran and high fuel and grocery prices have dominated the campaign.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is trying to become the first Muslim US senator. He faces Republican Mike Rogers. Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed Rogers after losing the primary to El-Sayed, prompting fury in her party. Channel 4 reported that between 20,000 and 30,000 of Michigan's 130,000 Jewish voters were still undecided, with El-Sayed's criticism of Israel dividing families.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico is challenging Republican Ken Paxton in a race that could end decades of Republican dominance. BBC News reported that more than $500 million had been spent in the Texas Senate race, while BBC One later gave a figure of $560 million. Republicans are also defending Senate seats in Ohio, Iowa, Maine, Georgia and Alaska, while Democrats are trying to hold Michigan.

Trump closed his campaign at the reflecting pool in Washington and spent part of his remarks discussing its renovation. On election day, Channel 4 reported he told Fox News that US aid to Israel would be cut off at the end of the year, a surprise reversal of standing policy. ITV reported that Trump called into Fox News and described El-Sayed as a Muslim Brotherhood jihadist.

Both parties are watching turnout and possible disputes over the results. Channel 5 reported that Trump has a history of questioning election results and that some Senate results, notably Alaska's, may take weeks. BBC One reported that Trump had said Republicans would win in a landslide if his supporters turned out.