Democrats Lead by 8 Points as Nearly 100 Lawmakers Exit Congress Before Midterms

Democrats hold an eight-point lead in the race for the House of Representatives, according to a New York Times/Siena poll released this week [4]. The result points to a stronger position for the party ahead of the midterm elections [4].

Primary season has ended in the United States. Voters have now chosen their candidates for the November 3 midterm elections. These elections will decide which party controls Congress and the future direction of both parties [1].

Democrats currently lead in the polls. Voters are worried about the economy, a war with Iran, and Donald Trump's mass deportation plan, which continues through the end of the year [1].

Democratic primaries saw several left-wing candidates win surprising victories, shaking the party. Republicans, meanwhile, continue to support Trump's policies even though his approval ratings remain low [1].

Both parties are also dealing with scandals. Some candidates were forced to leave the race. Others chose to stay and keep campaigning [1].

Nearly 100 lawmakers who began this Congress will not be back for the next one, according to an NPR analysis [6]. The wave of departures follows record retirements and a series of primary defeats [6]. This turbulent primary season has reshaped the makeup of Congress at a scale rarely seen [6].

It is rare for Republicans to oppose their own president. María Elvira Salazar has done it — likely out of fear for her own political survival [7]. The congresswoman has distanced herself from Donald Trump ahead of the midterm elections. Her move signals growing concern among Republicans about the president's impact on their election chances [7].

Early voting has begun in some states ahead of the midterm elections, as campaigns shift their focus to the cost of living and the Iran war. Control of Congress is expected to be the central fight [3].