The Republican Party is facing serious headwinds going into November.The party that controls the White House typically loses seats in Congress in the midterms.
On top of that, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit a new low, and voters continue to express dissatisfaction with the economy and the war with Iran.Yet James Blair, a top Trump political adviser, said he still believes Republicans can hang on to their majorities in Congress — although he knows it won’t be easy.“‘I’m cautiously optimistic,” Blair said.
“I won’t predict, you know, how many seats are going to be in either chamber come November.But, I do think there is a path for us to retain both majorities and defy history, for sure.”Blair made his remarks in an interview with “Here’s the Scoop: Election Edition,” NBC News’ new Saturday podcast series hosted by chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake.Listen and follow “Here’s the Scoop: Election Edition” here.Blair served as deputy White House chief of staff until April and has been at the center of Trump’s political operations, now serving as the chief of the president’s MAGA Inc.
super PAC.During the campaign, Blair was Trump’s political director and is known for his close relationship with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who served as a campaign manager in 2024.Blair acknowledged that Democrats have some advantages this cycle.
But he said he believes this post-Labor Day period is where the “heavy lifting” begins and that Democrats may see their polling advantages slip.Comparing Democratic candidates to unpopular members of their party, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Blair added, is a strategy he hopes GOP candidates will use.He said he views this year’s midterms as being driven by both national and local concerns.01:38Rep.
Aguilar and James Blair weigh Iran war’s midterms impact00:0000:00“There is a national backdrop against which things are being fought, and there...