While President Donald Trump moves at breakneck speed to reshape the federal government, crack down on illegal immigration and impose tariffs, Democrats remain in recovery mode. They’re divided over how to respond to a chaotic start to the new administration and what their own agenda should look like, and polls show that a majority of voters have an unfavorable view of the party writ-large.
But they have one obvious bright spot: Republicans have an incredibly tenuous hold on the House, and Democrats will only need to pick up three seats to secure a majority in 2026. If history repeats itself, voters will be looking for an opportunity to put a check on the party in power next November.
Trump’s job approval rating is higher than it was at any point in his first term, but low compared to most modern presidents. And right now, House Republicans aren’t drawing much attention as Trump attempts to legislate through a flood of executive orders. But they face a government funding fight over the next month, and will then attempt to pass border security
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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