G.O.P. Is Making Progress Toward Presidency but Is Still Playing Catch-Up

After five of six presidential elections in which the Republicans have lost the popular vote, this year’s midterm elections point toward a plausible Republican path to winning the White House.

The Democratic losses were not simply because of low turnout. Republicans often made significant gains among rural, white voters. Some candidates made inroads among young and Hispanic voters, as well, according to exit polls and county and precinct-level results.

But the Republican path is also narrow, one the Democrats could block if they reassemble their support among the young, nonwhite...