US President Donald Trump is blaming his aides as the Republican Party’s electoral prospects deteriorate ahead of the mid-term elections, according to Reuters. The congressional elections are scheduled for 3 November. Even small shifts in competitive constituencies could affect control of the House of Representatives, given the Republicans’ narrow majority.
Briefly about the main points
- Trump blames his aides for the GOP’s problems.
- The US mid-term congressional elections are scheduled for 3 November.
- The Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
- Reuters/Ipsos recorded a lead for the Democrats on the general party issue.
- Opinion polls and advertising campaigns do not determine the results in individual constituencies.
The battle for the House hinges on a few seats
According to House of Representatives, as last updated on 2 September, the Republicans held 218 seats and the Democrats 214. One seat was held by an independent, and two remained vacant. To take control, the Democrats need a net gain of at least four seats.
This configuration makes the outcome particularly sensitive to local contests. At the end of September, Republican organisations began spending funds in at least 39 constituencies where they had not previously invested during this election cycle.
Polls and advertising set the tone for the campaign
A Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted between 30 September and 5 October, showed a 32% approval rating for Trump’s performance. Among registered voters, Democrats led Republicans by 44% to 37% on the general question of which party to vote for in the congressional elections.
Democrats tend to mention Trump more frequently in their campaign adverts, whilst Republicans focus on taxes and crime. These figures provide a political backdrop, but do not predict the results in specific constituencies or control of the House of Representatives.
