PNN – The Washington Post reported that even if the Democrats win the congressional elections, Americans will not see inflation brought under control.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; The Washington Post wrote in a report on October 24, 2026, that even if the Democrats win the November 3 midterm elections and gain control of the U.S. Congress, American voters should not expect a rapid or noticeable reduction in the cost of living.
According to the report, Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, has promised that the party’s plan to boost the public’s purchasing power will lower the cost of living across various sectors.
However, the primary factors exerting pressure on prices—including the repercussions of a war with Iran on the energy market, the investment boom in artificial intelligence, and Donald Trump’s trade and tariff policies—are largely beyond the direct control of Congress.
The Washington Post emphasizes that even if Democrats were to gain control of both chambers of Congress, their ability to end a war with Iran or repeal Trump-era tariffs would be limited should the President oppose such actions.
Furthermore, Democrats have shown no inclination to curb the artificial intelligence boom—a trend that is fueling rising costs in certain sectors.
Meanwhile, the rising prices of gasoline, food, and housing have emerged as a primary concern for American voters, and the cost of living has intensified political pressure on both parties ahead of the midterm elections.
The report adds that even if the inflation rate declines in the coming months, it does not mean that prices will fall; rather, prices may simply rise at a slower pace. Consequently, a change in the composition of Congress alone cannot put an end to public dissatisfaction regarding high prices, as economic and geopolitical factors will continue to impact the cost of living for Americans.
A few days ago, Business Insider reported that the ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising fuel prices have exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis in the United States, subjecting President Donald Trump to increased economic and political pressure ahead of the midterm elections.
At a time when inflation is eroding the purchasing power of American households, a conflict taking place thousands of kilometers away has further driven up the cost of living for the nation’s residents.
Meanwhile, these rising costs have emerged as a political challenge for Trump, just as the congressional midterm elections approach.
Persistently high fuel prices and inflationary pressure on households could intensify dissatisfaction with the economic situation—especially if the war continues and there is no noticeable drop in prices at the pump.
Meanwhile, the U.S. inflation rate reached 3.7% in September, exceeding economists’ forecasts. This rise—driven by broadening price pressures across various sectors of the economy—has eroded household purchasing power and created further challenges for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
Furthermore, the sharp decline in Donald Trump’s popularity, rising living costs, and the ongoing war with Iran are all factors that, according to opinion polls, have given the Democratic Party a significant advantage.
Republicans are concerned about losing their majority in the House of Representatives, and even maintaining control of the Senate is no longer guaranteed.
Polls and market forecasts also indicate that Democrats have a strong chance of securing a majority in the House, while there is also a real possibility that they could gain control of the Senate.
For Trump, the upcoming election goes far beyond a contest for seats in Congress. The outcome could determine whether he will be able to pursue his agenda during the remaining two years of his presidency—backed by a Republican majority in both chambers—or whether he will instead face Democratic opponents who possess the real leverage to block his initiatives and exercise oversight over his administration’s actions.
The U.S. midterm elections will be held on November 3. In these elections, 33 of the 100 Senate seats and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for contest. Currently, Republicans hold control of the House, with 218 seats compared to 214 held by Democrats. In the Senate, Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 47.