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Polls begin closing in US midterms threatening to shatter Trump’s grip on Washington
Polling stations began closing in the US midterm elections, with control of Congress at stake for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. The result could curb his influence in Washington if Democrats gain control of either chamber, as voters weighed his record and the country’s direction.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats were being contested. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose ground in midterm elections: Republicans have lost congressional seats in all but two midterms since the Second World War.
In short
- Midterms could weaken Trump’s control of Congress.
- Voters were judging his second-term record.
- History has usually favoured the opposition party.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Democrats gaining control of either chamber could provide a check on the president and ensure that legislation and oversight reflect a wider range of voters’ views. Given the historical tendency for a president’s party to lose ground in midterms, such a shift could be seen as a normal part of electoral accountability.
The case against
Republicans retaining control could be seen as giving voters’ continued support to the party’s programme and allowing the administration to pursue its agenda with fewer legislative obstacles. Supporters might also argue that keeping Congress aligned with the president would make it easier to deliver on promises and provide clearer accountability for results.
Explained simply
US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose members of Congress, the federal legislature that makes laws, approves spending and oversees the government.
Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives, with 435 seats, and the Senate, with 100 seats. In this election, every House seat and 35 Senate seats were being contested.
Donald Trump is the president, and Republicans are his party. If Democrats control either chamber, they can shape legislation and scrutinise his administration; historically, the president’s party has often lost seats in midterm elections.
Americas Elections Politics World