Democrats brace for 2022 elections with 'little margin for error'

WASHINGTON – Democrats are at high risk of losing control of Congress next year, and the perilous outlook is shaping party strategy on every level, a modern illustration of the old saw: Nothing focuses the mind like the sight of the gallows.

Defending fragile House and Senate majorities in the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats are scrambling to pass high-impact elements of President Joe Biden's agenda as quickly as possible. Vulnerable incumbents are building their campaign war chests and heading home to claim credit for economic and health benefits flowing from Washington.

"What we have to do is actually do good things that help people, make a difference in their lives," said John Lapp, a Democratic strategist who worked for House and Senate campaign committees. "If people feel better in their lives, Democrats will do better."