5 Races to Watch This Fall for Answers to the Biggest Midterm Questions
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-09-07 11:44:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump’s Economic Policies and Political Strategy Face Scrutiny as Midterm Races Heat Up
As the nation enters the final stretch before the November midterm elections, the influence of President Trump’s policies and political strategies is under the microscope in several key races across the country.
Economic Fallout from Trump’s Tariffs in Iowa
In Iowa, a state that President Trump has carried three times in a row, his economic legacy is central to the Senate race. Trump’s tariffs have been a point of contention, with agricultural and manufacturing industries experiencing significant hardship as a result. While Republican candidate Ashley Hinson has praised the tax cuts passed under Trump and defended his tariffs as necessary to bring trade partners to the table, she has also occasionally pushed back against some of his trade policies. The Democratic challenger, Josh Turek, has directly blamed Republicans for the high costs facing farmers, linking these economic challenges to Trump’s decisions.
Gerrymandering and Latino Voters in Texas
President Trump and his party have also been at the center of a nationwide gerrymandering effort, particularly in Texas, where Republicans redrew congressional maps to gain additional House seats. This strategy was based in part on the belief that Republicans could maintain the gains Trump made with Latino voters in South Texas in 2024. However, recent signs suggest that Trump’s support in the region may be waning, as concerns about the economy and immigration crackdowns grow among voters.
Trump’s Influence in Southern and Swing State Races
In Georgia, Trump’s unpopularity is being used by Democrats as a potential advantage in the competitive governor’s race. Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms has sought to tie her Republican opponent, Rick Jackson, to Trump, highlighting the president’s negative standing in the state.
Similarly, in Michigan’s Seventh Congressional District, Republican Tom Barrett has promoted his efforts to limit Trump’s war powers in Iran, signaling internal party divisions over Trump’s foreign policy decisions.
Conclusion: Trump’s Record Under the Spotlight
Across these battlegrounds, President Trump’s policies—particularly his tariffs and approach to redistricting—are being tested by voters. The economic struggles attributed to his decisions, the backlash over aggressive gerrymandering, and his fluctuating popularity in key states all underscore the pivotal role Trump continues to play in shaping the political landscape. The outcomes of these races will not only determine control of Congress but also serve as a referendum on the enduring impact of Trump’s leadership and rhetoric.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/07/us/politics/midterms-key-races-to-watch.html