Kathmandu [Nepal], November 3 – Voting is set to begin in the United States on Tuesday in midterm elections widely seen as a major test of President Donald Trump’s political standing during his second term.
The elections will determine control of both chambers of Congress with Trump’s Republican Party seeking to retain its majorities while the opposition Democrats aim to take control.
Polling is scheduled to begin at 4:45 pm Nepal time. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are being contested. Several states will also elect governors.
Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats against the Democrats’ 47 including two independents who caucus with them. Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to secure a Senate majority. In the House, a party needs at least 218 of the 435 seats to control the chamber.
The election campaign has focused on the war with Iran, rising living costs, immigration, tariffs and abortion rights. Higher fuel prices and concerns over the cost of healthcare have also become key issues for voters.
Competitive Senate races in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan and Maine are drawing particular attention.
A Republican loss in either chamber could make it harder for Trump to advance his legislative agenda.
