Since 1970 there have been 12 midterm elections. The only time the party holding the White House gained seats was Clinton 1998 and Bush 2002. Each had an approval rating above 60% and they only gained 4 and 8 seats respectively. Six times the occupant of the WH had an approval rating below 50%, and on average his party lost 33 seats. Republicans currently lead 237-192, a 22.5 seat edge.