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Midterm Elections: Democrats Eyeing Both Chambers of Congress

Confirmed

Politics Desk

In Short: The Democrats are hopeful of winning both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.

2018 Midterm Elections Viewing Party (44874131165)
Photo: US Embassy Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Thousands of races are taking place across the US, at different levels of government, as the midterm elections approach.

The Cook Political Report suggests that just 21 districts are 'toss-ups' that could be won by either party.

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Trump's poor ratings are helping Democrats set their sights on states that Republicans have won consistently in recent years.

Trump pledged to 'end inflation and make America affordable again' in his 2024 election campaign, but the cost of living crisis is proving to be the key issue for voters.

In both cases, the sitting president lost control of the House in the midterms but kept hold of the Senate.

A visual guide from the BBC outlines the battle for power, including approval ratings, key races, and the amount of money being spent.

Winning a majority is no easy task for the Democrats, as one poll found 63% of respondents disapproved of Trump's handling of the situation.

Eight years ago, Trump's approval rating was significantly higher at this point in his first term, at 43%.

The current Republican majority in the House of Representatives is as thin as it gets, with 218 representatives, the exact number needed for control, plus one independent who votes with them.

The war with Iran began four days later, disrupting Middle Eastern energy supplies and causing gas to hit $4 (£3.03) in the US.

It was hovering around 42% when Trump decided to launch air strikes with Israel against Iran at the end of February this year but it fell below 40% shortly afterwards.

The average number lost by the president's party is 27, according to data going back to 1934.

What this adds

The facts highlight the complexity and competitiveness of the midterm elections, with both parties vying for control of Congress.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources