US Midterms Open With Democrats Eyeing Both Chambers
On.cc · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Voting began on Tuesday in the US midterm elections, with all 435 House seats and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats up for grabs. Polling cited by the reports suggests Democrats have a chance to take back both chambers from Republicans, turning the contest into a major test of President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. Trump has said that if Democrats win Congress, he would use the presidential veto to block their legislation, while White House officials have also studied how to advance policy through executive power without congressional approval. Early voting has already exceeded 52 million ballots nationwide, surpassing the 2022 midterm early-vote record and pointing to potentially higher overall turnout than in 2022
Key Points
- The election is choosing all 435 House seats and 35 of 100 Senate seats in voting held on Tuesday local time.
- Reports citing recent polls say Democrats could reverse the balance of power and seize both the House and Senate from Republicans.
- Trump said he would become “Mr. Veto” if Democrats control Congress and would reject Democratic bills sent to his desk.
- Reuters, as cited by am730, said White House officials since April studied using executive orders on immigration, tariffs, housing costs and federal spending
- In the Senate, Republicans currently hold 53 seats against 47 for Democrats and allied independents; Democrats need at least four pickups
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers and investors, the immediate issue is whether a divided Washington slows or reshapes US decisions on tariffs, spending and regulation, areas that can affect trade flows and market sentiment. One source also argues that prolonged budget fights, debt-limit disputes and policy uncertainty could add volatility to the US dollar, Treasuries and equities, with spillover effects on global capital movements watched closely in Asia