"Depends on 4 States" Key Points of US Midterm Elections Highlighted by Representative of Korean American Voters Coalition in the US

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "The fate depends on Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin."

Ahead of the November 8th (local time) midterm elections that will reshape the power in the U.S. Congress, Kim Dong-seok, head of the Korean American Voters Coalition (KAGC), stated that these four states should be watched closely first. While the Republican Party's control of the House of Representatives is almost certain, the closely contested Senate could be decided by just one seat from these areas. Not only the Senate and House but also elected officials in each state and the composition of the House Foreign Affairs Committee after the election were highlighted as key points to watch in this midterm election.

At his office in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Kim recently evaluated the midterm election by saying, "If the Democrats fail to hold Georgia and Nevada, where incumbency advantage exists, the damage will be significant. Conversely, the Republicans must not lose Pennsylvania and Wisconsin." These four states are always included in the list of 6 to 8 battleground areas presented by local media. During the 2020 presidential election, President Joe Biden narrowly defeated former President Donald Trump in these swing states, ultimately securing victory.

He explained, "Just by looking at these four states, you can tell which party will hold the majority," adding, "The variables are voter turnout and redistricting." Midterm election turnout is generally low, around 30-40%. If turnout is lower than usual, it could favor the Republicans, who tend to have a more active voting base. Additionally, this midterm election is the first held after redistricting. He added, "On the ground, these two factors are seen as major variables."

Kim also emphasized that elected officials in each state, including governors, should be a focus. In the November 8th midterm election, besides 35 of the 100 Senate seats and all 435 House seats, governors of 36 states, the mayor of Washington D.C., state legislators in 46 states, and attorneys general in 30 states will be newly elected.

In particular, Kim said, "Pay attention to the governor elections," noting that they will be a reference for the 2024 presidential election. He pointed out prominent figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, already considered a presidential contender from the Republican Party, as well as Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

He also conveyed the atmosphere in Washington politics, saying, "The Democrats only belatedly realized that former President Trump has been actively funding elections for elected officials in various states." This is also interpreted as preparation for 2024. In the New York gubernatorial race, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, Republican candidate Lee Zeldin, a close ally of Trump, has recently surged. Considering the numerous legal indictments targeting Trump in New York, if the Republicans take control, it will inevitably impact the 2024 presidential race.

Finally, Kim stressed the importance of watching how the House Foreign Affairs Committee will change after the election. He mentioned, "It is important whether the chairperson prioritizes Asia."

Regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is of high interest in Korea, he evaluated, "After the midterm election, it is possible to amend the law to exempt countries that have invested a certain amount in the U.S." He added, "Korea should recognize that the center of power in Washington lies in Congress and focus accordingly," predicting, "The new Cold War dynamics in the international community will intensify, and Korea's position may become increasingly constrained."

Meanwhile, five Korean American candidates are running for U.S. House of Representatives seats in this midterm election. Among them, four incumbents?Andy Kim (Democrat), Young Kim (Republican), Marilyn Strickland (Democrat), and Michelle Steel (Republican)?are expected to win comfortably.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.