US midterms: Democrats poised to seize House and Senate control
US midterm elections began Tuesday with Democrats poised to seize control of the House and potentially the Senate, threatening to curtail President Donald Trump's power for the rest of his presidency. A Democratic victory would enable them to stall his legislative agenda and launch sweeping investigations. Democrats need only three House gains and a net four Senate seats to flip both chambers, with all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats contested. The election is a judgment on Trump amid soaring living costs and the Iran war, with his approval rating near the low 30s. Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, but races have expanded into conservative states like Kansas and Texas. Final forecasts project a 241-194 Democratic House majority and a narrow 52-48 Senate edge, with concerns high that Trump may refuse to accept results if he loses.