The 2022 midterms are the first elections to take place after the pandemic and the attempt by former president Donald Trump to overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election. They are not only a referendum on the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden and his narrow congressional majority but also an indicator for the current political and social environment in the United States. The dynamics of the 2022 midterms are shaped by overlapping and, in some cases, conflicting developments. While high inflation, the impression of a cooling economy and low approval ratings for President Biden are playing into the hands of Republicans, there are factors that are giving Democrats a boost in the election campaign this year. Former President Donald Trump is one of them. However, the Republicans are still in a good position to take back congressional majorities this year, and that is partly due to greater diversity within the party.The author argues that Trump's interference in the candidate selection process and many candidatesÕ endorsement of Trump's "Big Lie" of stealing the 2020 election will likely cost the Republicans seats. At the same time, many election deniers could be elected to offices that could influence the 2024 presidential election. The author also gives a preview of what might be expected from a Republican congressional majority in 2023.