Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Trump, living costs and immigration shape US midterm elections
US voters go to the polls on November 3 in midterm elections that will test President Donald Trump’s second term.
Republicans narrowly control both chambers of Congress, and Democrats need a net gain of four seats in each to take control.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 31%, its lowest level, and he has urged voters to treat him as if he were on the ballot.
The cost of living is voters’ top concern, with gasoline prices rising after the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in February.
Immigration is another major dividing issue: border apprehensions have fallen sharply, while fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents have prompted criticism of the crackdown.
Campaigns are also discussing artificial intelligence and concerns about democracy, including Trump’s unfounded claims of election fraud.
A Democratic win in either chamber would give the party more power to challenge the administration, including through investigations and hearings.
The November 3 US midterm elections will decide whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain power to challenge President Donald Trump’s administration.
Trump’s record-low approval rating, voter concerns about living costs and the immigration debate are shaping the campaigns.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate, and Democrats need a net gain of four seats in each chamber to take control.
The war against Iran has driven up fuel costs and linked foreign policy to voters’ concerns about household expenses.
- Who
- US voters, Republicans and Democrats, with President Donald Trump a central figure in the campaign.
- What
- Midterm elections will determine control of Congress.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- The result will determine whether Republicans keep control of Congress or Democrats gain power to challenge Trump’s administration.
Democrats
Republicans
Immigration
Democrats
Democrats have criticized the immigration crackdown after fatal encounters involving federal agents; some candidates have called for ICE to be abolished.
Republicans
Republicans cite the drop in migrant apprehensions at the southwest border and say Democrats support open borders.
Iran war
Democrats
Democrats and some Republicans complain that Trump took military action without congressional authorization.
Republicans
Not stated
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched the war against Iran, according to The National.
Andrew Payne published an analysis on the role of foreign policy in the elections.
Early voting began, with a polling site reported in Austin, Texas.
The US midterm elections are scheduled to take place.
- Election date
- November 3, 2026
- Republican majorities
- Narrow majorities in the House and Senate
- Democratic gain needed
- Net gain of four seats in each chamber
- Trump approval rating
- 31% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll
- Gas price
- US national average of $4.28, according to AAA
- Border apprehensions
- Down 95% compared with the Biden administration, according to preliminary DHS data
4 sources
What people are saying
The Republican Party and candidates are being killed by the higher prices
By disrupting some of the stability in traditional US foreign policy stances, the Trump administration’s policies seem to have sharpened how Americans link US actions abroad and their daily lives
Foreign policy rarely decides US elections. But this year, the economy is foreign policy.