Delaware holds the final primary of the 2026 election cycle on Tuesday, wrapping up the candidate field for November’s midterms at a moment when national polling favors Democrats amid widespread public discontent with President Donald Trump.
Delaware’s closed primary election will take place this Tuesday, following an early voting period that began September 2.
The vote marks the last primary contest in the nation this cycle and formally opens the countdown to the November 3 general election, held against a backdrop of low approval ratings for Trump and national surveys showing an advantage for the Democrat Party.
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In the state’s marquee race, Democrat incumbent Senator Chris Coons is seeking a third full term against three primary challengers: Jeff Appelhans, Mary Lou, and Eric Hansen -the latter a former Republican candidate now running on the Democratic side under the label “E. No Trump Hansen.” On the Republican side, Michael Koth and John Sully are competing for their party’s nomination to face the Democratic winner in November.
Delaware runs closed primaries. You only vote in the party you’re registered with. Unaffiliated = no primary ballot.
Tuesday, Sept. 15. Polls 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Absentee must be received by 8 p.m. — not just mailed.
Find your district: https://t.co/iHFLHHGIqn#TDFPNews pic.twitter.com/Bh6UiBLp7u— The Digital Free Press (@tdfreepress) September 14, 2026
In Delaware’s lone U.S. House seat, Democrat Representative Sarah McBride -the state’s only member of the House- faces no opponent in her party’s primary as she seeks a second term. Three Republicans, meanwhile, are competing for their party’s nomination to challenge her in the general election.
Trump’s Approval Slides
The end of the primary season sets the stage for a decisive battle over control of Congress starting in January 2027, one that will determine whether Trump’s legislative agenda can advance or stalls entirely in the second half of his term.
Public frustration over the economy, inflation, high fuel costs, and the administration’s foreign policy has kept Trump’s approval rating around 32%, against a national disapproval rate of 63%. Facing that slide in popularity and the risk of losing his congressional majority, Trump has warned he would block opposition-led initiatives if Democrats hold or retake Congress.
The U.S. President also unveiled a pledge at a Republican convention in Dallas to give a one-time $5,000 payment to every U.S. adult if his party wins in November -a promise that analysts have characterized as an attempt to shore up support ahead of the midterms, particularly among Latin voters, who make up more than 40% of the population and have been a central target of immigration enforcement actions carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
With Delaware’s primary now closing out the candidate map nationwide, the midterms are shaping up as a direct referendum on Trump’s administration heading into the second half of his term.
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