Americans vote for control of Congress as rising prices and the Iran war threaten Republican strongholds, but Democrats face their own popularity challenges.
Americans head to the polls on Tuesday for US midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. Rising living costs and the Iran war threaten Republicans with two years remaining in Donald Trump’s presidency.
Trump has held dozens of rallies, including final-weekend stops in Iowa and Kansas, traditionally Republican territory. He has also urged supporters to vote as though his name appeared on the ballot.
However, final pre-election polls put his approval rating at around 38%, raising questions about his electoral influence. Voters rank living costs among their biggest concerns as food and fuel prices squeeze household budgets.
Living costs shape US midterm elections
Diesel prices reached a record $6.52 per gallon in September, up from $3.75 before the war began in February. Meanwhile, inflation has risen from 3% when Trump took office to 3.7%.
Economists estimate inflation would have been lower without his sweeping global tariffs. In Iowa, rising fuel and fertiliser costs have added to voters’ concerns.
Republicans have consequently committed hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising to contests they usually consider safe. Those include the Senate race in Kansas.
Carrie Dann, managing editor of the Cook Political Report, said such spending signals Republican worries about those races. She also said the Kansas advertising bill would far exceed the party’s earlier expectations.
Stephen Hawkins, research director at pollster More in Common, said Democrats now have credible Senate opportunities in Republican strongholds. Some of those states backed Trump by double-digit margins in 2024.
However, dissatisfaction with Trump does not automatically translate into Democratic support. A national NBC poll released on Sunday found only 29% of voters viewed the Democratic Party positively.
Control of Congress carries major stakes
Democrats are confident they can at least capture the House of Representatives, helped by polling and historical trends. A sitting president’s party usually loses seats during midterm elections.
If Democrats win the House, they could obstruct Trump’s legislative agenda and launch investigations into his administration. They may also pursue impeachment proceedings against cabinet members, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth a potential target over Iran.
However, winning the Senate presents a tougher challenge. Thirty-five seats are up for election, and Democrats need a net gain of four for control.
Key contests include Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Maine, Alaska and North Carolina. Several races remain within polling margins of error, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Meanwhile, Democrats will study the results as they prepare to choose a presidential candidate for 2028. Tuesday’s vote will test both their reach into Republican territory and Trump’s remaining electoral strength.
