Politics

Trump political adviser Blair expresses cautious optimism for Republican midterm chances

NBC News reports that strategist James Blair sees a path to holding Congress despite low presidential approval.

Updated Sep 12, 2026 · 13:48 UTC1 reports

The short version

Trump political adviser James Blair said he is cautiously optimistic Republicans will keep congressional majorities in the midterms.[NBC News]
The midterm outlook faces challenges, including an NBC News Decision Desk Poll showing Trump at a 36% approval rating.[NBC News]
Economic dissatisfaction and foreign policy weigh on voters, with inflation hitting 3.4% and Trump's handling of the Iran war polling at 31% approval.[NBC News]
Republican super PAC MAGA Inc. held over $400 million at the end of July to support competitive races.[NBC News]

Trump political adviser James Blair stated that he remains cautiously optimistic Republicans can keep control of both chambers of Congress.[NBC News]
A September NBC News Decision Desk Poll showed that 36% of U.S. adults approve of President Trump's job performance.[NBC News]
Only 31% of surveyed adults approved of Trump's handling of the war with Iran.[NBC News]
U.S. inflation stood at 3.4% year over year as of August, affected by tariffs and an energy crisis linked to the Iran war.[NBC News]
The super PAC MAGA Inc. reported holding more than $400 million in funds at the end of July.[NBC News]

Whether substantial campaign spending by groups like MAGA Inc. can overcome low approval ratings and economic headwinds remains to be seen in the upcoming midterm vote.[NBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.