CNN is set to deliver extensive live coverage of the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, with Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper leading the network's primetime special. The broadcast, titled "Election Night in America," will commence at 4 p.m. ET from Washington D.C., featuring the two anchors co-hosting the evening's proceedings. Dana Bash will provide analysis on key Senate races, while Kaitlan Collins reports on reactions from President Donald Trump and his administration. Additionally, John King is scheduled to return to CNN's interactive Magic Wall to break down results as ballots are counted nationwide.
For viewers seeking to stream the coverage online, live TV services such as DirecTV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV offer access to the network. DirecTV includes CNN in its standard packages and a more affordable MyNews genre pack, which costs $39.99 per month for the first two months before rising to $44.99. This package also features Fox News and MS NOW. Furthermore, DirecTV will reinstate its Election HQ feature from November 2 through November 4, allowing compatible users to view CNN, Fox News, MS NOW, and Newsmax simultaneously alongside Associated Press results.
Sling TV subscribers can access CNN through both Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages. The service offers a special News and Election Multiview feature enabling viewers to follow four news networks at once. Sling Blue includes CNN, Fox News, MS NOW, and ABC News Live, while Sling Orange pairs CNN with LiveNOW from Fox, ABC News Live, and CBS News 24/7. For those looking for free options, Sling Freestream will carry programming from outlets like CBS News 24/7 and NBC News NOW, though the full CNN cable feed requires a paid subscription. Viewers may also watch directly via CNN's expanded All Access streaming subscription available on its website, app, and connected-TV devices.
The network's coverage schedule begins early, starting at midnight ET with Elex Michaelson, followed by Erica Hill at 3 a.m., Audie Cornish at 5 a.m., and a team including John Berman, Kate Bolduan, and Sara Sidner at 7 a.m. Anderson Cooper takes over at 10 a.m., succeeded by Wolf Blitzer and Erin Burnett at noon. Throughout the evening, Burnett will anchor a panel from Texas, a key Senate battleground, joined by contributors such as David Chalian, Kasie Hunt, Pamela Brown, Laura Coates, and Tom Foreman. Political commentary will be provided by David Axelrod, Scott Jennings, and Van Jones, with Berman and Bolduan resuming overnight coverage at 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
These elections represent the first nationwide vote since President Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate races on the ballot. Republicans are defending narrow congressional majorities, while Democrats aim to regain control of at least one chamber. High-profile Senate contests include Maine, where incumbent Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson; Texas, where James Talarico challenges Ken Paxton; and Ohio, where Sherrod Brown seeks a comeback against Jon Husted. Competitive races in Michigan, Iowa, Alaska, and Kansas could also influence the Senate majority. CNN will deploy more than 25 correspondents to report from these key states, as well as from the White House.
Sources: Variety.