The 1898 United States elections occurred in the middle of Republican President William McKinley's first term, during the Fourth Party System. The elections took place shortly after the end of the Spanish–American War. Members of the 56th United States Congress were chosen in this election. Republicans retained control of both houses of Congress. Democrats picked up several seats in the House at the expense of Republicans and the Populist Party. However, Republicans continued to control the chamber with a slightly diminished majority.