Traditionally, midterm elections usually have a lower turnout than presidential elections, but they are still crucial. These elections have the power to shift balance of power in the government and give an indication of what policies citizens want implemented. This year’s midterm elections were particularly heavily scrutinized because they are being seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump, whose policies and decisions have polarized the country since he took office in 2016.
After the polls closed, the results showed that the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives, while the Republicans expanded their Senate majority. The Democrats gained at least 27 seats, giving them the majority needed to control the House, while the Republicans won at least two extra seats in the Senate. This means that the Democratic Party will be able to check President Trump’s policies in the House, while the Republicans will be able to maintain their stronghold in the Senate, which is responsible for confirming judges and other key appointments.
The midterm results showed the power of the women’s vote, as record numbers of women were elected to Congress and other positions. This includes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, and Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland were also elected, becoming the first Native American women in Congress. These groundbreaking victories are seen as a powerful message from American voters of their desire for more diversity in their government.
The elections also saw certain key policy issues at the forefront. Healthcare was one of the most talked-about issues, with Democrats campaigning on the promise to protect the Affordable Care Act and expand healthcare access. Gun control and immigration were also key issues, with some candidates advocating for stricter gun laws and a reformed immigration policy.
Despite the results, the American political landscape remains volatile and polarized. As the country gears up for the 2020 presidential election, this uncertainty will continue to play a major role. It will be interesting to see how both parties will respond to the outcome of the midterm election and what the impact will be for the next two years.
There has been a lot of speculation about what the future holds for President Trump, but it is important to note that he still has the power to shape the country’s agenda through the executive branch. His recent decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which happened just after the election, has raised concerns about the future of the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
In conclusion, the 2018 United States midterm election has altered the political landscape in significant ways. The Democratic Party has taken control of the House of Representatives, while the Republican Party has expanded their hold on the Senate. The historic number of women and diverse candidates running for and winning seats signifies that voters are looking for more diversity and representation in their government. However, questions remain about what the future will bring for American politics and how the parties will handle a divided government.