US midterms open after tense final campaign push

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls in midterm elections that could reshape President Donald Trump’s control of Congress, after a final campaign day dominated by cost-of-living concerns, immigration and the US conflict with Iran.

More than 50 million people have already voted early, with candidates making last-minute appeals in competitive states including Texas, Michigan and Iowa.

In Texas, Democrat James Talarico said voters were ready to “shock” the nation as he faces Republican Ken Paxton in a closely watched Senate race. Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas for more than three decades. Talarico blamed tariffs and the Iran conflict for pushing up household and fuel costs, while Paxton warned that losing Texas would mean Republicans losing America.

Trump delivered his final campaign speech beside Washington’s Reflecting Pool, saying his party had “given this a strong shot”. He also defended his record in a Fox News interview, describing his two years with Republicans controlling Congress as successful.

The election campaign was overshadowed by developments in the Middle East. Trump said the US could target Iran’s “Pickaxe” mountain nuclear site, after reports of limited US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The president said further action could be carried out quickly, though he had earlier said he was in no rush to escalate.

The US Supreme Court also rejected Trump’s last-minute effort to set aside thousands of California ballots over claims they were cast by non-citizens.

The results will test voter sentiment on Trump’s presidency and determine the balance of power in Washington.

via BBC