Monday, 2 November 2026 · Full edition

US midterm elections reach final stage as parties compete for congressional control

File photograph: Donald Trump.
File photograph: Donald Trump. · Shealeah Craighead / Wikimedia CommonsPublic domain

What happened

The US midterm campaign has entered its final days with both parties vying for congressional control. Donald Trump held late rallies in Iowa and Kansas, while voters prioritize affordability and rising costs ahead of Tuesday’s polls, with labor groups pushing for wage-focused candidates.

Why it matters

Persistent cost-of-living concerns are driving voter sentiment. In Ohio, the long-running strike at the Lorain County Job and Family Services—now approaching a national record for public sector labor actions—illustrates the intense economic pressures influencing the electorate's decisions.

Bigger picture

The elections reflect deep-seated economic anxieties, as voters grapple with trade-offs between essential expenses like medicine and groceries, directly linking personal financial security to the legislative outcomes that will determine control of the House and Senate.

Watch next

Monitor Tuesday's election results to determine congressional control and assess potential policy shifts regarding trade and H-1B visa regulations.

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