WASHINGTON — House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries began a 100-day sprint to the midterm elections Sunday, pledging that his party will lower the cost of groceries, gas and housing if it regains control of Congress.
Democrats need to flip at least five seats to secure a House majority. The party is betting that persistent consumer anxiety about prices gives it a lane Republicans can't easily close.
President Trump has centered his economic agenda on deregulation and tax cuts, arguing those policies ease inflation by expanding supply. Republicans say the midterms will ratify that approach. Democrats say voters will reject it.
Jeffries' affordability pitch puts energy companies, agricultural producers and real estate developers in the crosshairs. Those industries collectively spend millions lobbying Congress each year on pricing and regulatory policy.
The Nov. 3 elections will determine whether Democrats get the majority they need to move legislation — or remain in the minority with no power to deliver on those promises.
