One month until the Trump administration's midterm elections, high prices and dissatisfaction with Iran operations are a headwind for the Republican Party

[Washington Current Affairs] In three days, it will be one month until the November midterm elections, which will determine the future management of US President Trump's administration. The ruling Republican Party, led by Trump, is facing headwinds due to rising prices and dissatisfaction with the protracted military campaign against Iran. There is a growing expectation that the opposition Democratic Party will take back the House of Representatives, and will also gain a majority in the Senate, which was initially thought to be dominated by Republicans. The outcome of the seven close Senate races, including Republican strongholds, holds the key.

Gasoline prices soar, price concerns; attempts to improve living standards have little effect - Trump administration, US midterm elections

At a campaign rally in the southern state of Oklahoma on the 1st, Trump emphasized that he would ``defeat the radical left-wing Democratic Party.'' He intends to leverage himself in various parts of the United States towards the end of the election campaign.

The Republican Party is currently in a "triple red" state, with control of the presidency and both houses of Congress, with only a few seats separating them from Democrats in both chambers. Cook Political Report, an election analysis organization, ranks 22 House districts as close races. It has been pointed out that many of the closely contested districts are seats currently held by Republicans, making it highly likely that Democrats will regain the majority.

The situation in the Senate is fluid. Thirty-five of the 100 seats are up for re-election, and the Democratic Party needs to gain four more seats to seize control. Although the bar was seen as high, Cook Political Report recently increased the number of close races to seven.

This includes the southern state of Texas, where Republicans have held the seat for nearly 40 years, and the midwestern state of Ohio, home of Vice President Vance, who is seen as a strong candidate for the next presidential election. The party has been forced to invest money in these stronghold states, which is having an impact on its election strategy across the country.

The background to this is the worsening political situation surrounding Mr. Trump. In a Reuters poll conducted in late September, his approval rating fell to an all-time low of 32%. Although he made a comeback in the 2024 presidential election by pledging to curb inflation, people's dissatisfaction with the cost of living, including food, remains deep-rooted, and the soaring gasoline prices associated with the Iran operation are adding to the impact.

Although this was a favorable environment for the Democratic Party, the Democratic Socialists and other radical leftists rose to prominence in the primaries, and conflicts within the party came to the fore. The focus will be on whether the party can gain more seats by capturing dissatisfaction with high prices while seeking harmony within the party.