This year’s midterm elections were a surprise to many on both sides. There were rumblings of a red tide coming where a surge of Republican voters would turn the tide in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although it seemed to be the case, the election did not turn out that way. 

The Republican party attained control over the House of Representatives. On the other hand, Democrats won some close races in swing states, a win for the party. They also gained control of the Senate and gained a few seats in the House of Representatives. Many say the unexpected loss of some Republican senators and governors is related to the support they got from Trump, since his controversial position may have changed a few minds about who to cast their vote for. In addition, it is also said to be because of Roe v Wade being overturned. This is a very hot issue that many have put at the top of their voting priorities. In a school-wide poll with around 200 submissions (shown on the left), the two issues voted most important was the economy with 36.2% of the vote, and abortion being 29.1% of the vote. The data shown in the graph makes the prioritized topics in New York apparent.

In the race for governor, Republican Zeldin got close numbers to the democrat candidate Hochul in many polls before the election, due to his appealing views for improving the economy and stopping the rise of crime in New York City. Hochul had a greater advantage because of the very democrat-leaning population in NYC.

In terms of the final outcome, Republicans won the House of Representatives as expected, although they did lose some seats. Democrats won the Senate and kept a “red wave” from gaining control. There are still runoffs, Georgia to be specific, happening at the time of this article being written.