Who is going to be haunted by the US midterms?

The numbers tell a clear story about the upcoming US midterms. Over 48 million Americans had already cast their ballots by the end of last night, far surpassing the early voting figures from the previous midterm election. The surge in voting is particularly evident in states with competitive Senate races that could decide which party holds control.

Texas, for example, has seen more than 6.3 million votes cast in early voting alone, compared to 4.2 million at the same point in the last midterms. Other states experiencing significant increases in early voting include Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Kansas, with South Carolina seeing an 83% jump.

President Donald Trump is aware of the importance of voter turnout and has been campaigning non-stop, appearing with celebrities like Nicki Minaj and boxers Mike Tyson and Jake Paul to rally support. He plans to visit at least 17 states ahead of the election and has already made 26 stops since September 9th. Despite his efforts, it remains to be seen if his actions will make a difference, as Republican candidates face concerns over affordability and the administration's immigration policies.

The Cook Political Report has shifted 12 more House races towards Democrats, now projecting a Democratic majority of between 227 and 240 seats. Democrats need to hold onto their existing seats and gain another four to flip the chamber. Seven key races are still within the margin of error, giving both parties a chance to take control.

A grim mood has settled over the White House, with turnover, internal factional tension, and anxiety over the potential loss of legislative control. If Democrats gain power, their focus will likely be on investigating corruption and wrongdoing within the Trump administration. However, the focus might shift towards addressing affordability issues, introducing federal regulation of AI and data centers, and restoring health care subsidies and Medicaid funding.

Republicans, on the other hand, face potential hauntings if they fail to secure enough seats. One individual who may be particularly affected is Elon Musk, who has invested heavily in Republican campaigns. If Democrats succeed in taking control of Congress, they could point to their efforts, even if legislation is ultimately vetoed. This could provide a message for the 2028 presidential election. For Republicans, the grim outlook may prompt a reevaluation of their political strategy for the future.