Americans voted on Tuesday in vital midterm elections, with Democrats aiming to take control of Congress and diminish Donald Trump’s influence in Washington for the remainder of his presidency.
Polls suggest the Democrats will secure a majority in the House of Representatives and may also gain control of the Senate, driven by voter dissatisfaction with President Trump, rising energy prices, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. If the Republicans lose the House, it would hinder Trump’s legislative agenda and enable Democrats to investigate his administration.
A Senate defeat could jeopardise Trump’s ability to appoint Supreme Court justices and senior officials. Donta Comer, a 38-year-old project manager from an Atlanta suburb, shared that he voted mainly for Democratic candidates, citing living costs and fuel prices as major issues. “It needs to change for the everyday person, and I’m an everyday person,” he said.
In a final call to voters, Trump touted his record, claiming he had revitalised the country through hardline immigration policies and tariffs. “We have to keep America great. We’re great now,” he told Fox & Friends.
All 435 House seats and 35 out of 100 Senate seats were up for grabs, alongside governorships in 36 states. The Democrats need three House gains and a net four Senate seats to take control of both chambers.
Despite his promises to lower prices, inflation and fuel costs fueled by the Middle Eastern conflict have squeezed American families. Republicans assert that Trump’s tax cuts and anti-immigrant policies will benefit citizens, branding Democratic candidates as left-wing radicals.
While Trump’s approval ratings remain low, some Republican supporters remain optimistic. “We’re going to win. As a matter of fact, we’ve probably already won,” claimed Texas military veteran Yvonne Clouser.
The Democrats also face challenges defending competitive seats, such as in Michigan, where a prominent internal conflict has led a congresswoman to endorse a Republican candidate over a Democratic one.
With over 57 million early votes cast, interest in the elections is high. The campaign attracted over £11 billion in political advertising, with wealthy Trump supporter Elon Musk contributing significantly to Republican efforts.
Once polls close, concerns arise over whether Republicans will accept the results. Trump has previously alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election and accused Democrats of cheating without evidence.
The Justice Department, led by a Trump ally, has filed a lawsuit aimed at potentially blocking certification of Alaska’s Senate race if the Republican candidate narrowly loses. Additionally, the Supreme Court has dismissed an emergency request to discard over 20,000 mail-in ballots in California over citizenship doubts.
Trump, watching the midterm results at the White House, hinted at possibly ignoring Democrats if he loses Congress. “I veto everything,” he said in a podcast on Monday.
