What GOP officials are hopeful — and worried — about six months from the midterms

President Donald Trump isn't on the ballot this year, but with roughly six months before Election Day, he'll still likely be the biggest factor in determining the fortunes of the Republican Party.

Republicans have lost a number of elections in the past six months — sometimes by overwhelming margins — giving Democrats a sense of momentum. That feeling is exacerbated by Trump's low approval ratings, his inability to lower stubbornly high costs and an ongoing war with Iran.

On top of all that is the historical trend that the party that controls the White House generally loses congressional seats during the midterms...