Fox News Media Announces 2026 Election Coverage Plans
The network will provide extensive midterm coverage led by anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum on election night.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Elections
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Fox News Media has unveiled its comprehensive plan for covering the 2026 midterm elections, featuring a collaborative broadcast led by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. The network will utilize augmented reality graphics and data visualizations to track the balance of power in Congress throughout election night.
Why it matters
The upcoming midterms represent a critical contest as Democrats attempt to regain majorities in the House and Senate, which have been held by Republicans since the 2024 election. Fox News plans to utilize its Decision Desk to provide projections on these races in real time.
Fox News Media election coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026, with Fox Business Network simulcasting the event until 6 a.m. ET the following day. The Fox News app will also feature a dedicated Midterms 2026 tab with interactive maps and an AI chatbot for viewers.
The players
Bret Baier
He serves as the chief political anchor for Fox News and is a lead host for the network's election night broadcast.
Martha MacCallum
She is a prominent news anchor for Fox News and will co-anchor the network's 2026 midterm election coverage.
Steve Doocy
He is a long-time host on Fox and Friends who is conducting a multi-state diner tour ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The details
The broadcast will feature extensive technical integration, including augmented reality and enhanced data graphics to monitor congressional control. Coverage will span across the Fox News app, television networks, and radio, which will provide race updates every 15 minutes.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Steve Doocy begins a diner tour in Burton, Ohio.
October 30, 2026: Steve Doocy finishes a diner tour in Hiram, Georgia.
November 3, 2026: Fox News midterm election coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET.
November 4, 2026: Fox and Friends First early edition airs starting at 4 a.m. ET.
Political Context
Opponents often criticize major news networks for the tone and focus of their election night presentation styles. They argue that excessive reliance on augmented reality and rapid-fire projections can prioritize spectacle over substantive policy discussion.
Viewers can expect real-time updates and interactive mapping tools across digital and television platforms throughout the night. Those relying on the broadcast for information should prepare for extended coverage windows spanning from the evening of November 3 through the early morning of November 4.
The takeaway
Understanding the technological tools used by major networks can help voters better interpret how election projections are generated in real time. Voters should verify information across multiple platforms to ensure they have a complete view of local and national results as they emerge.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming contests at the Elections hub.
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Do you trust national news networks to provide unbiased coverage of midterm election results?
