A wave of unexpected dissent within the Republican Party is setting the stage for a series of crucial votes on President Donald Trump’s contentious tariff policies. This development comes just as Democrats intensify their focus on affordability, a key issue for voters ahead of the November midterm elections.

For over a year, GOP House leaders successfully protected their most vulnerable members from having to make politically risky decisions on tariffs. However, the protective barrier has cracked, and the consequences are now rippling through Capitol Hill and battleground states nationwide.

This week, six Republican lawmakers defied party lines and joined forces with Democrats to attempt to overturn Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Their rebellion signifies a potential shift in the party’s stance on trade policies that have long been championed by the President. The move is likely to prompt a veto from Trump, signaling deepening divides within the party.

House Democrats, sensing an opportunity, plan to introduce at least three more resolutions challenging the tariffs. These votes will force many Republicans to navigate a complex political landscape, balancing the interests of their districts, their base, and their allegiance to Trump.

“The tariff votes are a referendum on the Republicans’ promise to lower prices,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington, head of the House Democratic campaign arm. She vows to hold vulnerable Republicans accountable for their positions on tariffs, which are increasingly unpopular among constituents suffering from high costs.

In districts heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, the impact of the tariffs has been particularly acute. Rep. Derek Schmidt of Kansas, though critical of the tariffs, voiced a common sentiment among Republicans who feel too invested in Trump’s trade strategies to back away now.

Conversely, Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, one of the six Republicans who voted against the Canada tariffs, emphasized that his decision was about protecting both his constituents and the U.S. Constitution, rather than party politics.

As more votes loom, Democrats are gearing up to challenge Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Brazil, as well as his global “Liberation Day” tariffs. These votes are seen as critical tests of Republican loyalty to Trump’s policies, which Democrats argue are exacerbating the cost of living for Americans.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration and GOP leaders are scrambling to contain the fallout, pressuring members to toe the line. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring, expressed his frustration with the administration’s approach to trade, highlighting the strain on local businesses and farmers in his district.

As the political drama unfolds, each vote becomes a potential turning point in a larger battle over trade policy, affordability, and the future direction of the Republican Party. With the midterms on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the outcomes of these votes could significantly influence the political landscape.