Calgary Tribune - Democrats Near House Majority as Midterm Results Reflect Trump Presidency

DETROIT — Democrats are poised to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives following Tuesday’s midterm elections, a result that serves as a direct referendum on President Donald Trump’s second term. The party flipped six key seats and retained several battleground districts, narrowing the gap to the majority needed for chamber leadership.

Control of the Senate remains uncertain late Tuesday, with the outcome hinging on races in border states where voters have expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s trade policies toward Canada. As counts continued, Trump posted on social media just before 11 p.m. ET: “I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE!”

A Democratic takeover of Congress would represent a significant constraint on Trump’s use of executive power for the remainder of his term. Throughout the campaign, Republicans faced headwinds as polls showed Trump’s approval ratings declining amid rising gas and diesel prices, persistent inflation, and an ongoing conflict with Iran.

In his final campaign arguments on Monday, Trump defended his administration’s record, claiming his second term had delivered the “best” economy in history. This assertion contrasted sharply with widespread voter disapproval regarding cost-of-living issues.

The election also highlighted internal Democratic challenges, including a late-stage fracture in Michigan’s Senate race. Haley Stevens, who lost the primary to Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed Republican Mike Rogers on Sunday. Voters in the state cited diverse motivations for their choices.

Alan Latham, 44, an attorney from White Lake, voted for El-Sayed despite concerns about affordability, prioritizing a candidate who promised progress over polarization. “For me the candidate that’s going to push us forward in a positive direction as a country, as a people, unify us, is what really brought me out to the polls,” Latham said.

At the same polling station, Mark Pospisil, 43, voted for Rogers, citing the Republican’s commitment to religious values and good governance. “He would honour and fear God and be best to implement good laws for our community,” Pospisil said.

Rogers and El-Sayed remained in a tight race as results trickled in. At a Republican event in Detroit, supporters cheered as favorable reports from other states appeared on screens. Kristi Rogers addressed the crowd before 10 p.m., urging them to “stick with us” and predicting a positive outcome.

Elsewhere, Democrats Roy Cooper and Jon Ossoff won Senate races in North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. However, securing a Senate majority likely requires victories in Maine and Alaska, where Trump’s trade war with Canada has become a central issue.

Trump recently adjusted 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods to alleviate pressure on industries in Maine, a state where Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a difficult re-election bid. Voters in Bangor expressed divided views on the trade relationship.

Mary Monroe, after casting her ballot, stated, “I don’t think the United States should be taken advantage of,” emphasizing the need for friendly neighborly relations without economic exploitation. Conversely, Tyler Levesque argued that Canada is a vital partner. “It’s not fair to us as Mainers, as a community, to suffer because of failed economic policy,” he said.

While trade policy influenced some voters, the cost of living emerged as a primary driver across the country. Many Americans expressed anger over Trump’s policies, which have increased costs at gas stations and grocery stores.

Trump returned to the White House promising economic growth, inflation reduction, and avoidance of foreign wars. These pledges initially garnered support from young men, Hispanic communities, and Black men. However, halfway through his term, many of these voters report feeling misled.

Dylan Raford, 19, from South Carolina, supported Trump in 2024 but described himself as “betrayed.” A business owner and self-described free-market advocate, Raford noted the social stigma he faced for his previous support. “He made me a fool. He made all those people right,” he said.

Raford, who has no party affiliation, voted Democrat to ensure Trump faces political restraints. His shift contributed to Democrat Annie Andrews flipping Lindsey Graham’s former seat in a historically Republican South Carolina Senate race. The victory served as a rebuke of Trump’s hand-picked candidate, Darline Graham Nordone, who faced criticism for lack of experience and campaign missteps while seeking her late brother’s seat.

K.Martin--CT