The US midterms 2022 are set to go right down to the wire. While pollsters have given the Republicans an upper hand, it appears that Democrats are not going down without a fierce fight.
In fact President Biden’s party may be outperforming expectations, in what pundits are calling ‘the most defining elections of our times.’
As of now the US Congress hangs in balance with the GOP making only limited gains in House as many races are still undecided, but one thing is for sure: There is no ‘Red wave’. Yes GOP can still flip the House, but the so-called red tide, everyone was talking about, did not turn.
Image Credit: AFP
As things stand this hour – battle for control of the US Senate is on a knife-edge with Democrats flipping the key state of Pennsylvania.
Considered a ‘Must-Win’ state for both parties, Pennsylvania enjoys outsized importance since Biden won the state two years ago, paving way for Democrats’ to pick up the all-important seat. Republicans badly wanted to hold the seat to topple the Democratic majority.
In one of the most watched races, Democrat John Fetterman has defeated Republican Mehmet Oz, declaring “we held the line”.
Image Credit: AFP
The control of Congress now hangs on the results of tight senate races in the states of three key states: Georgia, Arizona and Nevada – which are yet to be called.
In another high profile contest, Democrat Maggie Hassan has been able to win back her senate seat in New Hampshire. She defeated Republican Don Bolduc in what was once seen as a strong pickup opportunity for the GOP.
Republican JD Vance has meanwhile won in Ohio with the GOP still projected to take control of the House of Representatives, according to several race projections this hour.
In key contests for governors’ seats, Republican Brian Kemp has defeated Democrat Stacy Abrams in Georgia and Republican Ron DeSantis has won in Florida.
The race for both houses is too close to call in several states. President Joe Biden on Monday night remained optimistic over Democrats’ odds in the Senate, but acknowledged a more challenging path to victory in the House of Representatives.
US Midterms 2022
For these elections, all 435 House seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats were on the ballot. Additionally, 36 out of 50 states are electing governors.
Democrats have zeroed in on two major issues in these midterms — the national abortion protection and the rise of election-denying Republican candidates in some of the key races. Democrats also accuse Republicans of using coded racist language on crime.
Republicans, in the meantime, have focused on security, crime and inflation.
Top wins and loses this hour
*Republican Ron DeSantis has won Florida governorship. He is the big winner.
*House speaker Nancy Pelosi, appears to have a lead over John Dennis in the race for California’s 11th Congressional District.
*John Fetterman, who had a stroke days before winning the Democratic nomination in May, has been locked in a bitter contest against Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity television physician endorsed by former President Donald Trump. He won the US Senate seat in Pennsylvania.
Snapshot at 1pm UAE time
*Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won a second term in office, positioning himself as a check on Republican power in the state.
*Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has won a second four-year term, defeating Republican challenger Tudor Dixon in a campaign that focused on their opposing views on abortion.
*In Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro (Democrat) will be the state’s next governor. Shapiro beat Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano in the swing state.
Update at 2.30pm
*Republican incumbent Greg Abbott has defeated his Democratic rival, Beto O’Rourke, to win a third term as governor in Texas.
(Developing story….more to follow as fresh results come in)
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