With Midterms just around the corner, the Democrats and Republicans are set to battle for seats in the Houses in Washington DC. Although President Donald Trump will not be directly facing voters, the midterms will have important consequences for the remaining two years of his presidency. National economic pressures, an unpopular war and low approval ratings have turned typically red states into an unexpected midterm battleground for the Republicans. In a bid to drum up support, the 80-year-old leader has urged the American public to use imagination when going to the polls.
“You have to pretend I’m on the ballot”, Trump urged at a rally in Georgia last week as he campaigned for Congressman Mike Collins, a Jackson Republican who has been trailing in the polls Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff. “OK, the story is this: We get 49% more votes when I’m on the ballot. When I’m not on the ballot – I guess it’s a compliment – but people don’t show up so much”, added Trump. As the vote is just days ahead, we have taken a look at 12 particularly interesting Midterm races to keep a close eye on.
Texas emerges as an unexpected battleground for Republicans
Texas has become an unexpected battleground for Republicans.
Republicans are racing to keep a Texas Senate seat from slipping away and it is right on a razor’s edge.
Democrat James Talarico holds a very slim lead over Republican Ken Paxton in the polls.
Trump has visited Texas three times in less than a month in a bid to convince Texas voters to back Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
(Image: Getty)
Democrats hold a narrow lead over Republicans in Maine
Maine, home to a hotly-contested Senate race and a battleground House district, is home to a consistently tight race.
Recent polls suggest Democrat Troy Jackson leading Republican Susan Collins 49% to 47% among likely voters.
During a heated debate last week Jackson told Collins to “shut up”.
The exhange occurred as a protester opposing data centres interrupted Collins as she attempted to answer a question. As moderators called for the protester to be removed, Collins suggested the individual was a supporter of Troy Jackson.
“Oh, shut up,” Jackson responded, saying he did not know the protester.
“Oh, right,” Collins replied.
(Image: Getty)
Iowa’s Republican stronghold could turn blue
Iowa, a typically Republican stronghold, could turn blue as Democrat Rob Sand has a seven-point lead against Republican Zach Lahn among likely voters statewide.
As a Republican nominee, Trump won Iowa in 2020 by eight percentage points, and in 2024 grew his margin to 13 points but the Democrats have made a remarkable comeback.
(Image: Getty)
