Explainer: Three issues defining the 2026 US midterm elections

Reuters reports that Republicans hold narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate[1], and that Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of each chamber.[1]The news agency says Trump's approval rating has fallen to an all-time low 31%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.[1] Reuters also reports that he has repeatedly urged voters to pretend he's on the ballot[1]. It says he has upcoming rallies in Florida, Iowa, Michigan and Texas.[1]According to Reuters, Democrats have said Trump has broken his campaign promises to lower costs and end wars.[1] Reuters reports that they have promised to pursue an affordability agenda and to hold the administration accountable for alleged corruption[1] if they win either chamber.Reuters says half of registered voters surveyed in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll cited the cost of living as the most important factor in how they will vote.[2] The agency also reports that the national average price of gas is $4.28 — $1.20 higher than it was a year ago, according to AAA.[3]Reuters reports that artificial intelligence and data centers, cryptocurrency, abortion and Israel could also influence voters in individual races.[2] In Ohio, Reuters says, the crypto super PAC Defend American Jobs has spent more than $46 million to reelect Husted over Brown[2].In Maine, Reuters reports that Collins is on the election ballot for the first time since the high court made abortion a state issue rather than a federal right.[2]