Congress

Currently, 86% of Americans disapprove of the job being done by Congress, while 11% approve. A year ago, 79% disapproved and 15% approved.

Americans disapprove of the job being done by Democrats in Congress by 65% to 27%, and they disapprove of the job being done by Republicans in Congress by 79% to 15%. [Gallup 11/8/15]

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The House

The 2016 election is about 11 months from now. There is nothing to suggest that the Democrats’ chances of taking back control of the House have improved since the last issue of the Watch. As it stands now, the Republicans can hold the House without a whole lot of effort. (As usual, The Cook Political Report is the source of the data below.)

The Republicans need only win 9 of the 24 seats that are leaning their way to retain control of the House.

• Democrats 188
• Republicans 246
• Vacancy 1

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The Senate

It is possible to see a scenario in which Democrats make progress in their effort to retake the Senate. It is also possible to imagine an outcome of the election in which Democrats do retake control or at least create a 50/50 situation.

The possible outcome is likely to be heavily affected by the nature of the Presidential candidates who that will also be on the ballot and driving turnout.

• Republicans 54
• Democrats 44
• Independents 2

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