US midterm elections: Congressional distribution and voting in the shadow of war economy

In the US midterm elections to be held on November 3, voters will head to the polls for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. Held midway through President Donald Trump's term, these elections will determine party control in Congress as well as the legislative and oversight mechanisms of the federal government.

In the House of Representatives, one of the two chambers of the US Congress, members are elected to two-year terms, meaning all 435 seats are up for renewal every two years. Senators, who serve six-year terms, have approximately one-third of their seats chosen every two years. Currently, Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214 seats in the House, with two vacancies and one independent member serving. In the Senate, Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats and independents hold a total of 47 seats. The elections will also feature gubernatorial races in 36 states, local government and judicial branch votes, alongside referendums on issues such as taxes, abortion rights, and voting rules.

The November 3 midterm elections will directly affect President Donald Trump administration's capacity to pass laws and its room for maneuver in war policies regarding Iran. Following the attacks on Iran launched by the US and Israel on February 28, disruptions in energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and a contraction in oil supply have driven up fuel prices. According to data from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the cost of the Iran war to the US has reached $43.6 billion, 81 military aircraft have been damaged, and a decrease in munitions has been identified. Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, Congress holds the authority to authorize or limit operations.