As the government shutdown nears its end, Republicans face declining political fortunes, with President Trump’s approval rating at a low and Democrats leading by 8 points in the generic congressional ballot. The recent Democratic victories in New Jersey and Virginia signal potential midterm challenges for the GOP, reminiscent of past shutdowns that initially hurt them but allowed for recovery. However, with ongoing economic concerns and Trump’s poor ratings, Republicans must hope for a quick rebound to avoid significant losses. If the current unfavorable environment persists, they risk a substantial electoral defeat.




