Everything you need to know about the US midterm elections | US News

The war in Iran and cost of living issues at home are set to dominate the upcoming US midterm elections – and could potentially cost the Republican Party control of Congress.

As President Donald Trump’s approval ratings continue to drop, Democrats are seeking to retake seats in various battlegrounds – including in places like Texas which have traditionally been GOP strongholds.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the crucial November elections, and what’s at stake.

What are the US midterms?

Believe it or not we’re about half way through President Trump’s second four-year administration, which means it’s time for the midterm elections.

The midterms take place two years after the presidential election and often offer a glimpse at what the next one could be like.

While the president and vice-president are not up for election, the midterms are often seen as a referendum on the current administration and gains and losses for either of the two main parties can reflect that.

On November 3, all 435 seats of the US House of Representatives will be up for grabs, as well as one-third of the 100-seat US Senate. Other state level positions can be on the ballot too.

If the Democrats flip one or both houses of Congress, they will be able to severely hamper President Trump’s agenda.

What’s the current state of play?

Both levels of Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) are controlled by the Republican Party, but this could change.

The Republican majority in the House of Representatives is razor thin, with the GOP holding 218 seats, the Democrats 214, with one independent and two vacancies.

According to the Cook Political Report non-partisan forecaster, 185 of the House seats are viewed as “solid Democrat” with another 12 as “likely Democrat” and nine as “lean Democrat”.

On the other side, 180 are viewed as “solid Republican”, 21 as “likely Republican” and seven as “lean Republican”.

The 21 remaining seats are viewed as “toss-up”. Of these, 16 are currently held by Republicans, compared with five for the Democrats. Don’t forget, the Democrats only need a net gain of three seats to have a majority.

The House is viewed as the most likely to flip to Democrat control but, amid poor ratings for President Trump, the Senate is in play as well.

Unlike the House, just over one third of the Senate seats are up for re-election this November.

Of the 35 seats up for grabs, the Cook Political Report rates 13 as “solid Republican”, two as “likely Republican”, with one other as “lean Republican”.

On the other side, it rates nine seats as “solid Democrat”, two as “likely Democrat” and one as “lean Democrat”.

This leaves seven seats rated as “toss-up” (two currently Democrat and five currently Republican) – more than enough to swing the balance in the chamber.

The Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate against the Democrats’ 47 seats, for a majority of three.

The Democrats need a net gain of four seats for a majority as the vice president has the casting vote in the case of a 50-50 tie.

What are the key issues?

Economic issues and the cost of living look to be front and centre in voters’ minds as they get ready to go to the polls.

Mortgage rates rose above 7% in September and households are feeling the pinch in other areas too.

Many point to the Iran war, which shows no signs of ending, as a cause for rising petrol and diesel prices.

In a recent CNN/SSRS survey, just 27% of respondents expressed confidence over President Trump’s handling of the economy.

The CNN polls also indicated that three-quarters of Americans don’t think the US leader has a plan to exit the war.

Fears over the rapid advancement of AI and questions of its implications are also creeping in.

The harsh political climate facing Republicans has set up some interesting races heading into November – including in the usually deep red state of Texas.

There, rising star Democrat James Talarico is leading in the race for Senate, according to a recent poll, with the Cook Political Report deeming it a “toss-up”.

Democrat candidate for Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa is also ahead, according to the Marist Poll.