Democrats promise lower costs after midterm wins, but face Trump veto

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says his party must focus on the cost of groceries, petrol, housing and healthcare after its midterm victory. “We ran on affordability. We won on affordability. And now it’s our job to govern on affordability,” he told MS NOW’s Morning Joe.

The Associated Press has projected that Democrats will take control of both chambers of Congress after the 3 November election, although some races remain undecided. The new Congress begins on 3 January 2027. Jeffries has asked colleagues to support his candidacy for House Speaker; he has not yet been elected to the post.

In a letter to fellow Democrats, Jeffries called for action in the first 100 days to restore health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, reverse cuts to Medicaid, remove Trump’s tariffs and end the war with Iran. Medicaid provides health coverage for people on low incomes and others who qualify.

The election result does not give Democrats a free hand. Trump can veto bills, and overriding a veto requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers. He has said he could work with Democrats, while also threatening to veto their legislation.

There may be room for a deal on healthcare. Bernard Yaros, deputy chief US economist at Oxford Economics, told the BBC that Democrats could agree to extend Republican tax cuts in exchange for restoring insurance subsidies. He does not expect such an agreement until late 2027, with economic benefits arriving in 2028. He also expects average import tariffs to remain around 10% for the rest of Trump’s term.

High prices were not the only issue in the election. AP also reported voter concern about the Iran war and government corruption. Trump acknowledged that the war and higher petrol prices had affected the result, but said the conflict would continue.

Some decisions affecting household costs lie outside Congress. State regulators have a role in electricity prices, while local authorities help decide where new homes can be built.