Democrats Gain Momentum Ahead of US Midterms

ISLAMABAD: New opportunities have come on the map for Democrats as President Trump has become increasingly unpopular because of the war with Iran, tariffs and the high cost of living, US media is reporting about the forthcoming Mid-term elections in United States.

Nonpartisan analysts say the party is favored to win the U.S. House and has a shot at a narrow majority in the Senate. Yet Republicans still have a significant financial edge, and Democrats have work to do to persuade voters to support them in states they need to win.

The US midterm elections are held halfway through a president’s four-year term and determine control of Congress. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be contested on November 3, while 35 of the 100 Senate seats are also up for election. Governors and thousands of state and local offices will be contested at the same time. The elections therefore have major implications for Trump’s ability to pursue his legislative agenda during the second half of his presidency.

Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, but their majorities are relatively narrow in the House. Democrats need to gain a relatively small number of seats to take control of the chamber, while the Senate presents a higher hurdle because of the current Republican advantage and the particular states holding elections this year. Political analysts have nevertheless identified a number of closely contested Senate races that could determine whether Democrats can make broader gains.

The economy and the cost of living have emerged as central issues in the campaign. Democrats have gained an advantage among voters on affordability, healthcare and several other domestic issues, while Republicans retain advantages on immigration and crime. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found Democrats leading Republicans on which party has the better approach to the cost of living, as higher energy prices and inflation have become politically damaging for the Trump administration.

Trump’s handling of the war with Iran has added another complication for Republicans. The conflict has contributed to higher energy prices, while Trump’s tariff policies have also been blamed by voters for increasing the cost of goods. Trump’s approval rating has consequently fallen, although he continues to command strong support among Republican voters. Republicans are attempting to keep their coalition together by making the election a choice between Trump’s policies and what they describe as a more radical Democratic opposition.

The outcome will determine how much political room Trump has during the final two years of his presidency. A Democratic victory in the House would give the opposition party control of the chamber and significantly strengthen congressional oversight of the administration. A Democratic takeover of both chambers would go further, potentially blocking major parts of Trump’s legislative program and intensifying investigations and political confrontation. Republicans, meanwhile, are relying on Trump’s continued popularity among their core supporters, substantial campaign spending and a strong focus on issues such as immigration and crime to prevent a Democratic sweep.