Ahead of US midterms, both parties face new leadership equations as some Republicans look beyond Trump

Ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, new equations over future leadership have begun in both of the country's main political parties.

In the Republican Party, questions are being raised about President Donald Trump's sole dominance. In the Democratic Party, meanwhile, a leadership struggle between mainstream leaders and progressives is growing stronger.

According to political analysts, Trump has shaped the Republican Party in his own way over the past decade. This time, however, his popularity and political influence could face a challenge amid voter dissatisfaction.

The report also notes that, with the midterms ahead, many Republican candidates are distancing themselves from various Trump policies.

If Republicans do poorly in the election, the party's leadership equation for the 2028 presidential election could also change. That could weaken the political position of leaders such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In that situation, leaders such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, or Chris Christie, known as a sharp critic of Trump, could come to the fore in the party's leadership.

In the Democratic Party, meanwhile, despite the prospect of a good election result, disagreements are growing over the party's future policies and leadership. Mainstream leaders are hopeful around Hakeem Jeffries, the prospective speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Chuck Schumer. But the influence of progressives and Democratic socialists inside the party is also growing.

Progressive leaders allege that conventional policies on healthcare, housing and controlling inflation are not working. They also believe major changes are needed in the Democratic Party's policies and leadership to counter Trump's political position.

Analysts say that whatever the midterm result, the fight over new leadership in US politics will become clearer. Even if Trump comes under political pressure, they do not think his long-standing influence in the Republican Party will end quickly.