Democratic Party leaders turned toward inflation and the economy after a summer focus on abortion. Representative Nancy Mace, a Republican, said the G.O.P. would seek spending cuts.
Katie Britt will most likely represent Alabama in the Senate, and two Republican House candidates in Georgia who had been backed by former President Donald J. Trump were defeated.
The progressive wing of the Democratic Party appeared to be flagging until a draft Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade leaked — and shook the political world.