Ammon News - The importance of the November 5 elections outside the United States is often focused on the White House race, yet the makeup of Congress from the legislative elections is just as crucial to Americans, with a similarly intense competition.
The outcome of the voting in numerous electoral areas nationwide will decide if the upcoming president can execute his agenda with a cooperative legislature, or if he will encounter resistance and barriers.
Corinne Freeman of the Future Coalition organization stated to Agence France-Presse that "the importance of parliamentary elections is equivalent to that of presidential elections since Congress is responsible for creating and enacting laws that directly affect the lives of individuals."
She added that in critical areas like health, education, and the environment, Congress dictates the course of action, sometimes with quicker results than decisions made by the president.
The Congress of the United States, located in the Capitol in Washington, is made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives, which will have all 435 seats up for election on November 5, and the Senate, where 34 of its 100 seats are in contention.
In addition to their legislative function, the two chambers also have significant roles in foreign policy, defense, customs duties, and international aid. They also possess the power to monitor and supervise the executive and legislative branches.
During his presidency, Donald Trump was blocked by the Republican Congress from dismantling the health care system established by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, known as "Obamacare", or reducing the State Department budget.
Just days away from the election, there is still a minimal difference between the two parties.
Even though there is fierce competition between the candidates from both parties in the House of Representatives elections, it is probable that the Senate will shift to Republican dominance, albeit with a narrow margin.
Democratic Party has a slim Senate majority and must defend two-thirds of the 34 seats being contested, with three located in states that supported Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections: West Virginia, where Republicans are likely to succeed, and Montana and Ohio, where they have a high chance of victory.
If the Republicans secure these positions, they will have Senate control as long as they maintain their existing seats.
Nonetheless, Democrats have a small opportunity to prevent Republicans by winning a seat in Florida and another in Texas.
Florida Democrats are relying on voter turnout to take part in a state abortion referendum happening alongside the election in the third most populous US state.
It is highly improbable that Democrats will be able to secure victory in the White House, Senate, and House.
House elections are seen as a better gauge of American public sentiment than Senate elections because representatives are up for re-election every two years, unlike senators who have a six-year term.
Democrats raised more money than Republicans in the House elections, potentially allowing them to take control of the majority from the Republicans, who currently have 220 seats.
They are running their campaign based on the argument that the current chamber, which has been filled with ongoing arguments and disagreements, even among Republicans, has been one of the least successful in the country's history.
Keith Gaddy, a political science professor at Texas Christian University, stated on November 5 that the fact is that any eventuality is possible.
He informed AFP that we will not have a clear understanding until the voting and legal challenges conclude, as challenges are now the last step in any election.