"U.S. midterm elections: Even with Trump’s low approval ratings, Republicans have the edge in funding and the system"

[Financial News] Ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November, analysts say President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are low, but the ruling Republican Party still has an advantage in terms of funding and the election system.
According to Wonseok Song, secretary-general of KAGC, as of the end of June the Republican Party held $277 million in campaign funds, while the Democratic Party of Korea had $136 million. Even when super PACs are included, Republican-aligned groups had $929 million, compared with $336 million on the Democratic side. The analysis suggests that Republicans have far more financial firepower than Democrats.
Republicans are also said to have an advantage in their prospects for securing House seats through redistricting. Song said the Republican Party could gain as many as 10 seats through the redrawing of electoral districts. Although midterm elections are usually seen as a referendum on the sitting president and therefore tend to favor the opposition, Trump’s recent approval rating has fallen into the 30% range after the prolonged war with Iran. Even so, Republicans still retain several advantages in funding and election operations.
Song estimated that there are 20 competitive House districts and four to five competitive Senate races. He said, "Even if the Democratic Party of Korea retakes the House, it is likely to be by a narrow margin."
Song also suggested that the midterm elections should be viewed not only in terms of how many seats each party wins, but also as part of a broader realignment ahead of the 2028 presidential election. He said one key point to watch is how the direction of Trump’s hardline MAGA supporters within the Republican Party will be set, and how the balance between moderates and progressives in the Democratic Party of Korea will shift.
Song predicted that if the Democratic Party of Korea takes back the House, it will pressure Trump through congressional investigations and special committees. However, he said the possibility of impeachment remains low because it would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
Song also drew a line under the idea that Trump could declare a state of emergency and impose a U.S.-style martial law if the midterms appear to be going badly. At the same time, he said Trump may still try to use federal power to pressure state-run election administration.
[email protected] Hong Chaewan Reporter