Senate Republicans are increasingly worried about their chances in the midterm elections as war in the Middle East, rising prices and internal party divisions threaten their campaign focus.
Senate Republicans are growing anxious about the November midterm elections as new political and economic pressures cloud earlier expectations of maintaining or expanding their majority.
Concerns have intensified amid an ongoing U.S. conflict in the Middle East, rising oil prices and divisions within the party over an elections overhaul bill known as the SAVE America Act.
Some Republican lawmakers now predict a difficult fight to retain Senate control, warning that voters are increasingly focused on cost-of-living concerns. “Energy prices are high. Everything’s high,” Sen. Josh Hawley said, urging the party to prioritise measures that would lower costs, while Sen. Kevin Cramer admitted, “I’m glad I’m not on the ballot.”
Party tensions have also grown over the SAVE America Act, strongly backed by President Donald Trump but lacking sufficient votes in the Senate. While Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the election would be “going to be about the economy,” several Republicans fear that continued focus on the bill and the Middle East conflict could weaken the party’s prospects in the midterms.