Three weeks before the midterm elections, Republican candidates are struggling amid rising economic pain and President Trump’s unpopularity.
Inflation has hit Americans hard at every level, from farmers and truckers to everyday consumers.
The economic strain has expanded the electoral map into territory that was safely Republican just months ago.
Once-safe districts now appear competitive as voters blame the party in power for higher prices.
Republican strategists acknowledge the party is on its heels, forced to defend seats it never expected to contest.
Campaign messaging has shifted toward inflation and cost-of-living concerns, but the shift has yet to steady nervous candidates.
With limited time remaining, the G.O.P. faces an increasingly difficult path to holding its majority.
