Voters Face High Stakes as Democrats and Republicans Vie for Congressional Control
By: Angeni Maiorana
The stakes are high for today’s midterm elections as the battle for congressional power intensifies. During the first half of President Donald Trump’s second term, Republicans have advanced several of his legislative priorities on both domestic and international fronts. Now, Democrats have an opportunity to regain influence in Congress, but their ability to do so rests largely in the hands of American voters.
One of the most significant issues on the minds of many Americans is affordability. With inflation continuing to rise, middle-class Americans are struggling with the cost of gas and other daily necessities.
The price of gas has risen notably since last year. The U.S. average as of Oct. 12 is $4.33 a gallon, more than a dollar higher than last year. As of Nov. 2, the average price for diesel in New York had jumped from $3.87 to $6.48 a gallon.
President Trump has downplayed gas prices amid the ongoing dispute with Iran. At a recent political rally in Rome, Georgia, he said, “I said I don’t give a damn. We’re making a frickin’ fortune. Our country is getting stronger and stronger all the time. And those pump prices are going to come down.”
An estimated 20.3 million barrels of oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz every day, accounting for 25% of the world’s oil. What President Trump described as a short-term dilemma has continued, and Americans have taken notice.
A New York Times and Siena University poll found that 75 percent of likely voters disapprove of the way President Donald Trump has handled gas prices. A Pew Research Center report found that 65% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s attitude about Iran, while only 33% approve, a figure that is considerably lower than this past March.
The pockets of Americans are not only being drained by gas prices but also by the costs associated with weapons and military equipment. Public opinion on U.S. military action in Iran is sharply divided along party lines, with 90% of Democrats opposing military action compared with 69% of Republicans who support it. The outcome of the election could influence how Congress approaches the ongoing conflict and future military spending.
Democratic candidates are emphasizing priorities such as protecting women’s health care, reforming immigration policy, strengthening international relations and addressing affordability.
Republican candidates are running on a platform that emphasizes tighter immigration enforcement, reduced federal regulations and taxes, and restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care.
Republicans currently hold a 220-215 majority in the House, meaning that Democrats would need to gain at least three seats to secure a majority. Republicans also hold a 53:47 majority in the Senate. The final New York Times/Siena poll before today’s midterm elections found Democrats leading in all seven competitive Senate races, including a double-digit lead in Michigan.
Some candidates have gained more public attention than others in the Senate race. Democratic candidate Abdul Sayed has received praise across social media and other online platforms for his public service record, outspoken responses and distinct approach to politics. If elected to the Senate, Sayed has identified affordability, education, air and water quality, health care and foreign policy as key issues he hopes to address.
As with every election, all eyes are on the swing states. Candidates in these gubernatorial races have differing opinions on key issues facing American voters. In Arizona, Democrat Katie Hobbs is running against Republican Andy Biggs. In Georgia, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta and senior advisor to Joe Biden, is running against Republican Rick Jackson. Democrat Josh Shapiro, the current governor of Pennsylvania, is running for his second term against Republican state treasurer Stacy Garrity. In Nevada, Democrat Aaron Ford, the current attorney general, is going up against Republican Joe Lombardo. Wisconsin’s candidates include Democrat David C. Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany. In Michigan, Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James will go head to head.
Affordability remains a major concern for Americans, with gas prices, foreign policy and health care among the issues at stake. Today’s election gives voters an opportunity to influence congressional priorities and policies that affect their daily lives.
