(Updated with the latest results)
by Tim Reid and Gabriella Borter
PHOENIX, Ariz./BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, Nov 9 (Reuters) – Republicans are favored to take control of the US House of Representatives, first estimates showed on Tuesday, despite the possibility of a “red wave” in the mandate. mid-term election, however, seems to be ruled out.
The Edison Research Institute estimates that five seats previously held by Democrats have moved from the Republican side in the House, the number needed for the party to gain a majority there, while most polling stations are now closed.
The number of Republican seats could still change, however, as not all the results have yet been announced, especially in some constituencies where Republicans are in a delicate position.
Preliminary results appear to show that Democrats would avoid the disaster feared by many in the party, as President Joe Biden’s popularity is at an all-time low and voters have expressed frustration over inflation.
Even a narrow Republican majority in the House could significantly limit Joe Biden’s power until the 2024 presidential election.
It was still too early to decide on the composition of the Senate, while uncertainty still reigned over the disputed states of Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona.
The Senate is currently split 50-50, with a casting vote for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.
The final results will likely not be known for several days or even weeks.
More than 46 million Americans voted early for the midterm – by mail or in person – and election officials have previously warned that counting all the votes will take time.
Exit polls showed that inflation and abortion rights were top voter concerns.
WORRIED INFLATION
Although the party that controls the White House traditionally loses “middleterms”, Democrats had hoped they could count on a resurgence of votes in their favor following the US Supreme Court decision last June to overturn the Roe v. Wade.
Many voters, however, said their vote was driven by frustration over inflation, which – at 8.2% – hit the highest rate in 40 years.
“The economy is terrible. I hold the administration responsible,” said Bethany Hadelman, who said she voted for Republican candidates in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Fears of increased crime have also been manifested in traditionally left-wing areas, such as New York State, where Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul faces a strong challenger in Republican Lee Zeldin.
“We have criminals who repeat themselves all the time. They go to jail and get out a few hours later or the next day,” said John Delsanto, 35, a New York paralegal who claims to have voted for Lee Zeldin.
According to a poll conducted this week by Reuters and Ipsos, only 39% of Americans appreciate the way Joe Biden performs his duties.
(With contributions by Joseph Ax, Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Gram Slattery and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington, Gabriella Borter in Royal Oak, Michigan, Nathan Layne in Atlanta, Masha Tsvetkova in New York, Tim Reid in Phoenix and Ned Parker in Reno, Nevada, written by Joseph Ax and Andy Sullivan; French version Camille Raynaud)
