Many Australians are following these midterm results more closely than usual - and that's in part because of the impact of the war in Iran on the cost of goods.
Off the back of a fifth interest rate hike this year, many people are searching for any sign things could soon turn around.
It's not clear if these results could hasten the end of the war and its economic shockwaves, or whether another escalation is likely, bringing more potential pain for consumers.
Dr David Smith, an associate professor at the United States Studies Centre, is quoted in this package for ABC's PM program.