US midterms set to deliver verdict on Trump presidency
Americans are voting in midterm elections that are being framed as a verdict on Donald Trump's second presidency. The contest could reshape control of Washington, with Democrats positioned to gain the House and challenge for the Senate. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are at stake, alongside governorships in 36 states.
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The immediate political stakes are high because Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and control the House. Democrats would need only three House gains to take the chamber, while a net four-seat shift in the Senate would be enough to change control there as well. If Republicans lose the House, Democrats would be able to slow or block Mr Trump's legislative agenda and open the door to investigations of his administration.
A Senate loss would carry additional consequences for the White House. It would make it harder for Mr Trump to secure confirmation of Supreme Court justices and senior officials. The vote is also taking place against a backdrop of anger over rising living costs and the war against Iran, which have helped turn the election into a broader judgment on the administration.
The economic mood has become a central issue in the campaign. Mr Trump returned to office last year promising to bring down prices, but inflation, tariffs and fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict have continued to squeeze households. His approval rating has hovered near the low 30s, according to the reporting, adding to pressure on Republicans as they defend their record.
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Republicans have argued that Mr Trump's tax cuts and immigration crackdown will benefit Americans. They have also sought to portray Democratic candidates as left-wing radicals. In his final public campaign appearance, however, Mr Trump spent much of his time discussing the renovation of Washington's Reflecting Pool, prompting criticism from Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who called it a "pathetic closing message." The battlefield extends beyond the usual swing states and into conservative territory such as Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio and Alaska.
Democrats are also defending competitive seats, including in Michigan, where a dispute led congresswoman Haley Stevens to endorse Republican Mike Rogers rather than the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed. Final forecasts cited in the reporting suggested Democrats could win the House and narrowly take the Senate, but the outcome remains uncertain as counting continues. What remains unclear is whether Democrats can convert their polling advantage into control of both chambers, and whether Republicans can hold enough vulnerable seats to limit losses.
The result will determine how much room Mr Trump has to pursue his domestic agenda and shape federal appointments over the next two years. The final balance of power may not be known until all close races are counted.
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