Control of US Congress at stake in tight election battle

Published
0

Control of the US Congress is at stake in elections that could flip both the House of Representatives and the Senate, while still leaving Capitol Hill divided between Donald Trump’s Republicans and Kamala Harris’ Democrats.

The outcome will play an important role in determining how easily the winner of Tuesday’s US presidential election will govern until the next congressional elections in 2026.

Nonpartisan analysts say Republicans stand a good chance of taking back the Senate, where Democrats hold a 51-49 majority. But Republicans could also lose their grip on the House, where Democrats only need to pick up four seats to take back control of the 435-seat chamber.

As in the presidential election, the outcome will likely be determined by a small slice of voters. The battle for the Senate hinges on seven contests, while fewer than 40 House races are seen as truly competitive.

Voters do not seem to be indicating a clear preference for either party. An October Reuters/Ipsos poll found 43 per cent of registered voters would back the Republican candidate in their district, while 43pc would back the Democratic candidate.

Read more here.

The US Capitol is seen in Washington, DC, US on September 20. — Reuters
The US Capitol is seen in Washington, DC, US on September 20. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...