US Democrats are targeting Republican strongholds in a bid to take control of Congress, as rising fuel costs and public discontent over President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy and war with Iran threaten Republican seats ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Polls indicate a growing advantage for Democrats, forcing Republican campaign groups to divert millions of dollars into states previously considered safe for the party.
The outcome could significantly constrain Trump’s ability to advance his legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency, while giving Democrats greater powers to investigate his administration.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats are being contested, alongside governorships in 36 states.
Democrats need to gain three seats in the House and four in the Senate to secure control of both chambers, according to the report.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed confidence that his party would regain control of the lower chamber.
“We’re on the verge of taking back control of the House of Representatives,” he told CNN.
A Democratic-controlled House could block parts of Trump’s legislative programme and use its subpoena powers to investigate his administration, business dealings and handling of the Iran war. Control of the Senate would also give Democrats greater leverage over judicial and cabinet appointments.
Republicans are facing particular pressure over the economic consequences of the conflict with Iran, which began in February and has driven fuel costs higher. Tariffs and persistent inflation have added to concerns about household finances.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last week put Trump’s approval rating at 31 per cent, while a New York Times/Siena survey showed Democrats leading by 11 percentage points among likely voters.
Republicans are defending competitive Senate races in Kansas, Texas, Iowa, Ohio and Alaska, all of which Trump won by double-digit margins in the 2024 presidential election.
The pressure has prompted Republican campaign organisations to redirect advertising funds towards Kansas, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
Democrats have also benefited from strong fundraising, although Republican-aligned groups have spent heavily to protect the party’s seats, with billionaire Elon Musk among the major financial backers cited in the report.
Meanwhile, redistricting changes have given Republicans an advantage in some House races, while Trump has continued holding rallies to mobilise his supporters.
More than 23 million early ballots had been cast by the weekend, compared with about 15 million at a similar point before the 2022 midterm elections. Democratic voters were ahead of Republicans in early voting in several states, according to the report.
The election has also raised concerns about potential disputes over the results. Trump’s repeated claims of electoral fraud, which have not been substantiated, have prompted Democrats and voting-rights groups to prepare legal teams and election observers.
The administration has said federal election monitors would operate within the law and denied plans to deploy troops or immigration agents to polling stations.
Beyond its immediate impact on Congress, the election is expected to shape the contest to succeed Trump in 2028, when he will be constitutionally barred from seeking another elected term.
Vice President JD Vance is seen as a leading contender to emerge as the Republican Party’s standard-bearer, while the results could help determine which Democrats position themselves for the next presidential race.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has defended his party’s record, arguing that voters should consider its policies and their impact on families when deciding how to vote.
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