With Trump’s low approval rating and Republicans’ ‘self-destruction’, can Democrats take the Senate? | US midterm elections 2026

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-09 13:27:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Approval Ratings Decline Amid Policy Backlash

In the rural expanses of Louisa County, Iowa, where the largest town, Wapello, is humorously dubbed the “Capital of the World,” political shifts reflect broader national trends. This area, which once supported Barack Obama, has seen a significant political transformation, increasingly leaning Republican with each election since 2016. However, the recent policies under Donald Trump’s administration, particularly those targeting immigration and economic management, have stirred significant controversy and fear among the populace.

Community Response and Political Repercussions

In Columbus Junction, Iowa, a town known for its diverse immigrant population due to local employment opportunities at a slaughterhouse, the community’s sentiment has shifted. Araceli Vazquez-Ramirez, a community advocate, notes a growing fear among residents due to aggressive deportation campaigns and the ending of temporary deportation protections. The local support for Trump, initially strong due to his promises of economic benefits and improved healthcare, has waned as the community feels the adverse effects of his policies.

National Political Landscape

The political landscape across the United States is showing signs of strain within the coalition that re-elected Trump in 2024. His approval ratings have dipped, reflecting dissatisfaction in key areas like the economy and inflation. Despite the White House’s efforts to adjust strategies, the administration’s approach, including a controversial military campaign alongside Israel against Iran, has only fueled public discontent, particularly affecting gas prices and thereby the everyday American.

What’s Unclear / What to Watch

• The long-term impact of Trump’s policies on his voter base.
• Potential shifts in party allegiance in upcoming elections.
• The effectiveness of the Democratic strategy in capitalizing on Republican vulnerabilities.
  

  How This Sits Against Accuracy, Norms, and Governing Rules
  

  Truth and Evidence:
  The claims regarding Trump’s declining approval ratings and the negative impact of his policies on his support base are grounded in community feedback and poll results. Normally, such claims would require further independent corroboration through multiple polls or studies to be considered well-supported. The excerpt does not provide external verification of these claims, nor does it include counter-evidence or denials from other sources.

  Democratic and Civic Norms:
  Misleading or inflammatory political claims can severely strain the shared expectations within U.S. politics, which rely heavily on verifiable information and a clear distinction between allegations and established facts. When political leaders make decisions that significantly impact communities without clear, evidence-based justifications, it can lead to a breakdown in trust and hinder constructive public debate.

  Constitution and Law:
  The excerpt does not specify any legal issues or name any statutes or constitutional provisions directly related to the discussed events. Generally, in the U.S. system, disputed factual and legal questions are weighed by institutions like courts and Congress according to written law and procedure. An RSS excerpt alone cannot establish a constitutional violation or definitive legal outcome. However, the actions and decisions of a presidency, such as those involving immigration and foreign policy, often lead to legal challenges that test the boundaries of executive power and oversight.

  This analysis reflects the ongoing political dynamics and the potential constitutional discussions that might arise from the current administration’s policies. As the situation develops, it remains crucial to monitor these aspects closely, ensuring that public discourse and policy-making adhere to the norms of evidence-based governance and respect for democratic processes.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/09/trumps-low-approval-ratings-republicans-self-destruction-democrats-senate

The latest congressional redistricting changes and what to know

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-09 10:35:00 — www.pbs.org

U.S. Political Map Redrawing Accelerates, Potentially Favoring Republicans

Recent actions in courts and legislatures, particularly in Southern states, have accelerated the remaking of the U.S. political map, potentially boosting Republican chances of maintaining control of Congress in the upcoming November elections. This week saw significant developments, including a pivotal state court decision in Virginia and ongoing adjustments following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month.

Virginia’s Redistricting Setback for Democrats
The Virginia Supreme Court, in a narrow 4-3 decision, overturned a new Democratic-led congressional redistricting plan that had been approved by voters in April. The court cited procedural issues, noting the requirement for legislative approval of constitutional amendments twice – a step missed as the initial approval occurred after early voting had started. Consequently, Virginia will revert to its previous congressional maps for this year’s elections.

Southern States React to Supreme Court Decision
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on April 29, which invalidated a Louisiana district designed to have a Black majority, several GOP-controlled states moved quickly to redraw their congressional maps. This ruling impacted the Voting Rights Act’s provisions that support districts where minority-preferred candidates can succeed. States like Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee have proposed or enacted new redistricting plans under these revised conditions.

Implications and Ongoing Changes
These redistricting efforts are part of a broader strategy by both parties to optimize their electoral prospects ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Notably, President Donald Trump has advocated for new districts in Texas, aiming to secure a Republican majority in Congress. The dynamic nature of these changes, coupled with pending legal challenges and further state actions, means the ultimate impact on the congressional balance of power remains uncertain.

What’s unclear / what to watch:

• The final outcome of legal challenges to the new redistricting plans.
• Whether other states will follow with similar redistricting efforts before the 2026 midterms.
• The impact of these changes on voter turnout and preferences.

  How this sits against accuracy, norms, and governing rules:

• Truth and evidence: The claims about redistricting efforts are grounded in recent legal decisions and legislative actions. Normally, such claims would require detailed court documents and official statements for full verification, which are not provided in the excerpt.
• Democratic and civic norms: The use of redistricting as a political tool can strain democratic norms, particularly when it leads to significant shifts in electoral prospects without broad consensus or clear adherence to established legal processes.
• Constitution and law: The constitutional and legal discussions in the excerpt focus on procedural adherence and the implications of Supreme Court rulings. In the U.S. system, these issues are typically resolved through further legal scrutiny and legislative adjustments, reflecting the structured nature of legal and political resolution processes.

  This ongoing redistricting saga underscores the complex interplay between law, politics, and electoral strategy in shaping American democracy.

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-latest-congressional-redistricting-changes-and-what-to-know