The results of the 2022 midterm elections were unusually favorable for the Democrats. It has been the only instance besides the 1998 and 2002 elections when a party holding the White House managed to keep most of its seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Recent major societal shifts are among the reasons for such an outcome. How the COVID-19 epidemic was handled, the political scandals following the 2020 Presidential elections and the human rights movements gaining significant weight in the political discussions strongly influenced the election outcomes. The results show somewhat unexpected support for the Democrats keeping majority in the Senate, and are a strong basis for them in the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.
The significant difference between the opposing sides’ rhetoric and actions has played a critical role in the distribution of votes in some swing states. The main point of contingence amidst the elections was the inflation rate and the government policies to fight it. Biden Administration has shown dedication to fighting inflation and other humanitarian issues so far, which has effectively swayed at least some voters into the Democratic side. Some goals they have been pursuing are reducing the deficit to ease long-term inflationary pressure, investing in clean energy production and manufacturing, investigating corporate profiteering by the oil industry, and expanding access to affordable health insurance. Many corresponding policies were implemented, for example, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act, and the Affordable Care Act. In the meantime, Republicans have not provided policy solutions to fight inflation and have repeatedly blocked or voted against proposed measures. These facts have influenced the election outcomes even in vital swing states like Pennsylvania, with progressive Democrat John Fetterman defeating the TV celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The results of the elections have demonstrated the waning influence of Donald Trump in the party and among the voters. However, earlier predictions have come true as Donald Trump declared his intentions to run for the Presidential campaign of 2024. The chances of success hinge on whether the Republicans keep their integrity amid the rising infighting. As Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell put it, “Candidate quality has a lot to do with the outcome [of the Senate elections],” suggesting a lack of robust and reliable candidates in the party (Kapur & Thorp, 2022). Overall prospects for the Republicans have become uncertain as the election results show GOP victories only by a slim margin in the votes in most “red” districts.
Keeping the majority in the Senate is a significant win for the Biden Administration. Presidential appointees to executive and judicial branch posts will remain under the purview of the current majority leader Chuck Schumer. It is essential for the Democrats to keep the internal unity and decision-making persistence they have demonstrated so far. In contrast, they have a significant presence in both Senate and the House until 2024. Notably, moderates and independents revolted against Republicans and voted for Democrats despite President Biden’s waning approval ratings. It is indicative of the instability of the GOP support and the growing dissatisfaction with their actions among the voters.
In conclusion, the 2022 Midterm elections reinstated President Biden’s governance and the dominant Democratic influence in United States politics for the next two years. It provides solid positions for the Democrats in the upcoming Presidential elections even despite the current President’s low approval rates indicating public support for the general political direction of the incumbent party. The future for the Republicans remains uncertain, and the following months will show whether they manage to unite under a single effective coalition.
References
Kapur, S., Thorp, F. V. (2022). McConnell says Republicans may not win Senate control, citing ‘candidate quality’. NBC News. Web.