The Republican Party’s hopes to win the majority in midterm elections are dimming, but it’s too early to say it’s a loss. Some important districts are still counting votes, reports Politico.
Yesterday, on 8 November, the surge of relief caught Democrats after the party learned they notched crucial wins in several key districts: Virginia, Texas, and Ohio, all fended off highly touted challengers. Democrats did avoid a shameful defeat in Rhode Island – this was the district Republicans had made a serious play to claim.
It’s still possible for Republicans to win the majority in the House, but it won’t be the blowout victory that was predicted. Their first important win was in Virginia Beach, where after a hard fight Republican representative won against Democrats. Republicans could also win in Iowa, New Jersey, and New York, but the votes aren’t counted there yet.
A favourable national environment for Republicans helped bolster their potentially vulnerable incumbent as open seats proved a huge liability for Democrats. Of the 37 districts that saw a Democratic incumbent retire this cycle, roughly 18 yielded a competitive race, draining precious party resources. But Democrats could still hang on to many of those.
Even so, Democrats long insisted they are still in the fight. Many in the party are hopeful they can hold the Republicans to a small majority.
Others — including current Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her top lieutenants — argued they still had a path to keeping their majority.
One more thing to blame for the Democrats’ weak position is the lack of financial resources, and Republicans use it. They are investing it in the advertisement campaign that speaks about the growing crime rates and touches citizens’ fear to gain popularity.
Biden’s administration and Democrats succeeded in passing more of their agenda than expected, but the party has often struggled to communicate how those laws help citizens.
The votes are still being counted and the final results of midterm elections in the U.S. are yet to come.