Overview
- Republicans held a deep-red Tennessee House seat by about 9 points in a district Trump carried by 22 in 2024, a narrowed margin Democrats tout as a warning sign.
- Democratic strategists say 2025 gains in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City validate a 2026 focus on affordability and healthcare, with campaigns highlighting costs for housing, energy, groceries and care.
- Recent Marist polling shows Democrats up 14 points on the generic ballot and Trump’s approval at 36%, while other trackers cited by the Boston Herald place his approval near 42%.
- Polls cited by analysts show voter discontent on the economy and prices, including just 32% approving Trump’s handling of inflation and a 43% approval on the economy versus 55% disapproval in separate surveys.
- Commentators urge Republicans to extend healthcare tax credits covering roughly 22 million people to avoid premium spikes averaging 114%, as Democrats intensify attacks on the administration’s health law and GOP infighting complicates a reset.