Washington:American voters have shifted the political balance in the recent congressional elections held on November 4, as reported by APA. The preliminary election results indicate that the Democrats have gained a majority in both chambers of Congress, while executive power remains with the Republicans, marking a frequent occurrence in US political history.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the voters' dissatisfaction with the economic situation played a significant role in the election outcomes. Approximately 90% of voters considered the cost of living a crucial factor in their voting decisions. The ongoing conflict with Iran and rising fuel prices, which saw a 9.1% increase in September, also influenced the results. Despite GDP growth over the past two years, inflation has not slowed, leaving voters unable to fully reap the benefits of economic growth.

The Democrats' victory does not necessarily reflect widespread support for their political program but rather a call for improvements in governance and stronger oversight. Historically, in 20 of the 22 midterm elections between 1938 and 2022, the president's party has lost seats in Congress, a trend observed in both Democratic and Republican administrations. Midterm elections, occurring two years post-presidential elections, pose a significant challenge for the president's party.

The outcomes of these elections highlight that voters prioritize daily well-being, with prices, conflicts, and uncertainty significantly impacting political decisions. The new Congress is set to begin its work on January 3, 2027, bringing potential changes to US domestic and foreign policy.

Domestically, legislative decisions on budget and taxation may face delays, and congressional oversight of the administration is expected to increase, potentially politicizing presidential appointments. This could lead to either more predictable policies through compromise or heightened economic uncertainty if confrontation prevails. Despite challenges in legislative initiatives, the US president maintains significant executive and foreign policy powers.

In foreign policy, the election results do not automatically predict increased peace or confrontation. The administration might seek to reduce foreign conflicts and costs or focus on foreign policy successes amid domestic restrictions. A new political balance between the president and Congress could lead to compromises on certain decisions and confrontations on others, delaying fundamental changes in foreign policy.

For Azerbaijan, the Charter on Strategic Partnership with the United States, signed on February 10, 2026, remains a key document. Covering areas like energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, it underpins the long-term national interests of both countries. Regardless of election outcomes, Azerbaijan's strategic importance in energy, transportation, and regional security will continue to grow, necessitating further dialogue and project development with the US administration and Congress.