Press in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico reads the congressional election through the situation of its own country
Reports from 2 November 2026 on Milei, Lula and the T-MEC trade agreement, with opposing expectations of a Democratic Congress.
On the day before the congressional election, the press in Latin America shows a line of its own. The newspapers ask above all what the election means for their own country's relationship with President Trump. Depending on the country, expectations of a Congress with a Democratic majority are opposed. The texts agree that the policy of the White House itself is unlikely to change much.
Argentina. The newspaper La Nación writes that a Republican loss in Congress would not immediately change Washington's stance on Argentina decisively. Much of the relationship has developed bypassing Congress. A Democratic majority could, however, intensify criticism of the alliance between Trump and President Milei and prompt investigations into the US financial aid to Argentina from 2025. Kezia McKeague of the consulting firm McLarty Associates says there: “I do not expect dramatic changes in the relationship with Argentina” (La Nación, Guillermo Idiart, 2 November 2026, 18:52 CET).
Brazil. The financial site BPMoney, conversely, sees the election as a possible brake. A Democratic majority in one of the two chambers could review the tariffs and sanctions that Trump has imposed on Brazil and Brazilian officials. The site qualifies this: Trump keeps his veto power, and a change in the majority would not automatically end the sanctions (BPMoney, Fernanda Capelli, 2 November 2026, 15:57 CET).
Mexico. The broadcaster UnoTV calls the election the first major test for Trump. Congress decides on budgets and laws and thus on issues that directly affect Mexico and Central America. The midterm elections will decide on “migration, T-MEC and tariffs” (UnoTV, Miguel Escudero, 2 November 2026, 18:29 CET). T-MEC is the trade agreement between Mexico, the US and Canada.
All texts reflect assessments by journalists and experts, not government decisions. Earlier reports on Mexico's wish for a trade agreement and on the expectations of other countries are under Reports. The forecasts for both chambers are on the Senate and House of Representatives pages.