What's at stake in the 2022 midterm elections?

The 2022 midterm elections could be the most consequential in years, possibly defying political history and resetting modern political norms.  The economy and inflation: They remain the top issues of concern in CBS News polling. More than half of voters say they've seen gas prices — a key inflation indicator — declining in their area, but a plurality of voters, 43%, expect the U.S. economy to be in recession in the next year. While Mr. Biden has enjoyed recent policy wins with passage of a new climate, health and tax law and the CHIPs and Science Act, just 40% approve of his handling of the economy in our recent poll.   Voting and elections issues: Among the hundreds of Republican candidates appearing on ballots nationwide, widespread belief among most Republicans that the 2020 presidential election was either stolen or mishandled, and fears among independents and Democratic voters that those Republicans could seize power, general concerns about voting and democracy have become a big issue of concern. The prospect of violence is also tied in part to a perception of widening divisions in the country: a whopping 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is more divided now than it was during their parents' generation. Just as many say tone and civility have gotten worse.   Crime and gun policy: The shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, is just the latest flashpoint in the decades-long fight over national gun control policy — but increased crime rates in several of the nation's largest cities, especially due to gun-related crime, is also a major cause of concern. Republicans continue to highlight concerns with crime, while Democrats — including the president — continue to campaign for stricter gun policy despite passage of bipartisan gun control and mental health legislation this summer, the most ambitious in more than 20 years. In response to growing voter concerns, Democrats are trying to portray themselves as tougher-on-crime than Republicans, noting support for increased federal funding for law enforcement and denunciation of those who attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021 — and the GOP officeholders who back them.  Abortion rights: With the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Democratic campaigns and super PACs tell CBS News they have seen increased interest from concerned voters, including more online activity and fundraising and willingness to volunteer. Data also indicate the court's decision is driving more voter registration for Democrats, especially among younger women.  

Every seat in the House of Representatives is up for grabs, as are 35 U.S. Senate seats and 36 governorships. Several other down-ballot races for secretary of state, attorney general or control of state legislatures could have wide-ranging effects on the management of the 2024 presidential elections, plus hot-button issues like abortion rights, climate change and health care. 

In Washington, Republicans are still in a position to net enough seats in the House to take control, "but a tumultuous summer has made their advantage appear a little smaller today — with a trend so far pointing toward narrow gains instead of a wave," according to the CBS News Battleground Tracker. Currently, Democrats hold small majorities in the House and Senate.