The US midterm election campaign ends on Monday, setting the stage for voters to decide which party will control Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s administration.
‎‎Mr Trump’s Republican Party currently controls Congress, with a majority in both chambers.
‎However, in the November 3 midterm elections, which are usually considered a referendum on the incumbent administration, about 210 million registered voters will determine whether Republicans will retain control of Congress or Democrats will take over.
‎‎Up for grabs are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats. Thirty-six states will also elect governors.
‎‎Special elections will be held in Florida and Ohio to fill the seats vacated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
‎‎Democrats need to gain four seats in the Senate to take control. A 50-50 split in the Senate would leave Republicans in control because Vance can cast tie-breaking votes.
‎‎Of the 35 Senate seats being contested, Republicans currently hold 22, while Democrats hold 13. Overall, Republicans have 53 senators, while Democrats have 45, including two independents who caucus with them, bringing the Democratic bloc to 47 seats.
‎‎To gain control of the Senate, Democrats need to win four additional seats to reach 51, while Republicans would retain control with 50 seats because Vice President Vance can break a tie.
‎‎In the House of Representatives, Republicans have 218 seats, Democrats have 214, one seat is held by an independent and two seats are vacant. Democrats will need to win five additional seats to flip control of the lower chamber.
‎‎A major highlight of the campaign was Democratic politician Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers. The endorsement came after Mr Stevens lost the Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, stunning members of her party.
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