The GOP might have more of a fighting chance in the midterms than the media would have you believe. Up to this point, the polls showed that Democratic voters were far more fired up for the November elections than conservatives. But with just mere weeks to go before the elections,  a Gallup poll reveals that voter enthusiasm among Republicans has surged.

There are likely several reasons for the increase. The booming economy and historically low employment rates are certainly major contributors.  But if this trend continues, the blue wave for which the left ardently hopes will become less likely to materialize.

Increased GOP Enthusiasm

While voter enthusiasm among Democrats has been much higher than Republicans, the recently released poll shows that the gap has tightened considerably. Indeed, the two parties are nearly tied. According to Gallup, “Sixty-one percent of Democrats and Democratic leaners, and 58% of Republicans and Republican leaners say they are more enthusiastic about voting in November compared to prior elections.”

These numbers are similar to the rates of 2010, during Obama’s first midterm where the GOP swept the House of Representatives, picking up 63 seats. The Republicans expanded their power in the Senate as well as statewide races. It was the most significant seat change since 1948.

The Gallup poll is not the only study showing increased enthusiasm among Republican voters. A recent Wall Street Journal survey also showed that the GOP is closing the gap.

Why The Change?

Why are Republicans becoming more excited about the elections? After all, Trump’s handling of the economy, along with his administration’s other accomplishments are already well-known on the right, and the level of fervor has generally been much lower than it is now.

It is also important to note that Gallup’s study was conducted before the testimonies of Kavanaugh and Christine Ford — so the hearings have not had an impact on these numbers. Perhaps the answer is more simple than it seems. It is likely that as the midterms get closer, conservatives are beginning to see the importance of ensuring that the Democrats do not take control of Congress.

Kavanaugh aside, the Democrats’ antics have demonstrated that their primary objective is to obstruct the Trump administration at every turn. Conservatives may finally be realizing what it would mean if the left wins control of the House and Senate — and they’re not about to let that happen without a fight.

The Supreme Court hearings may cause GOP voter enthusiasm to climb even higher. The depths to which the left has sunk in their vicious and unfounded attacks on the Supreme Court nominee might cause enough outrage on the right to push the needle in the direction of the Republican Party.

Will there be a red wave? It’s not likely, but if conservatives are becoming more energized, the nation might see the GOP retain control of Congress.