Midterm Elections, White House Turnover & Congressional Dysfunction

Democrats retain roughly an eight-point national lead amid affordability concerns, war fatigue, heavy spending, and primary pressure on longtime incumbents. More than five million people have reportedly lost SNAP under the Republican tax-and-spending law, while Congress remains behind on the Farm Bill, college-sports legislation, transportation funding, and other priorities. Montana's Supreme Court contest and proposed protections for nonpartisan judicial elections add a state-level test of partisan control and institutional checks.