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Trump faces tough test ahead of US midterm polls
Published : Monday, 2 November, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Observer Online Report
US midterm elections are just a day away, with rising living costs, higher energy prices and the impact of the war with Iran emerging as key issues. Democrats are increasingly optimistic about regaining control of the House of Representatives, while the battle for the Senate remains uncertain in several closely contested states.
The elections, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's term. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate's 100 seats are up for grabs. The results will also serve as a test of public support for Trump's leadership and his administration's policies.
Recent national polls show Democrats holding a significant lead over Republicans. According to RealClearPolling's latest average, Democrats have 51.5 per cent support, compared with 43.1 per cent for Republicans. A THP/MM poll conducted on October 28-29 put Democratic support at 54 per cent and Republican support at 41 per cent.
Political analyst Natalie Jackson told Al Jazeera that the polling reflects public dissatisfaction with Trump and frustration over the economy. She said high prices, tariffs and the war with Iran have increased financial pressure on Americans, while many voters believe Republicans have failed to meet expectations over the past two years.
In Kansas, Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton is mounting a strong challenge to Republican Senator Roger Marshall. A Washington Post-Schar School poll showed Hamilton leading Marshall by nine percentage points, although an Emerson College poll put the race much closer, with Hamilton at 50 per cent and Marshall at 47 per cent.
The economy and cost of living have dominated the final days of campaigning. Democrats are promising to improve purchasing power, while Republicans are struggling to convince voters that their policies will ease financial pressures. Republican strategist Doug Heye said the party had failed to deliver a compelling economic message, highlighting concerns over fuel prices, healthcare and everyday expenses.
Trump campaigned in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, appearing alongside Republican candidates as the party seeks to retain its congressional majorities. Meanwhile, Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed campaigned in Detroit and Southfield, Michigan, ahead of his contest against Republican Mike Rogers.
Democrats are widely seen as having a strong chance of regaining the House, but control of the Senate remains uncertain. Key races in Michigan, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, North Carolina and Alaska could determine which party secures a majority.
More than 50 million Americans have reportedly already cast early ballots, either by mail or through early voting arrangements. However, early voting figures alone cannot predict the outcome, as they do not reveal which candidates voters supported.
Voter turnout is expected to play a decisive role. Polling experts say the results could differ from national predictions because of local political dynamics, candidates' popularity and turnout in closely contested states.
Initial results may emerge on Tuesday evening as polling stations begin closing, but tight races could take longer to call. Analysts will closely watch early returns from Indiana and Kentucky, where polling stations are expected to close first.
The outcome will determine whether Trump retains Republican control of Congress or faces a Democratic majority that could complicate his legislative agenda.
-MT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
