Democrats in the United States are seeking to regain control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, in a contest that could shape President Donald Trump’s final two years in office.
According to the BBC, both chambers of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, are currently controlled by Republicans.
All 435 seats in the House are up for election, with Republicans holding a narrow majority. The Cook Political Report identified 21 districts as toss-ups, including 15 currently held by Republicans.
In the Senate, 35 seats will be contested, with seven races classified as toss-ups. Democrats are targeting competitive states, including Alaska, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, to improve their chances of taking control.
Trump’s approval rating has also become a major issue ahead of the elections. The BBC, citing Silver Bulletin, reported that his rating had fallen from just above 50 per cent at the beginning of his second term to about 37 per cent.
The cost of living, healthcare and immigration are among the major issues shaping the campaigns. Rising petrol prices have added to concerns about affordability, despite Trump’s campaign promise to reduce living costs.
However, Republicans retain a financial advantage over Democrats. According to the BBC, Republican committees and allied groups held more than $600m in cash at the end of August, compared with just under $400m for Democrats.
The outcome of the elections could determine whether Trump continues to enjoy Republican control of Congress or faces stronger opposition to his legislative agenda during the remainder of his presidency.
