This year’s midterm elections will turn on many issues. The Iran war, tariffs, inflation. Immigration, taxes, health care.

But there is another, potentially potent undercurrent in several key races that could determine control of Congress — what makes a real man?

It’s the latest example of tough-guy politics since Donald Trump brought his own version of masculinity to the trail more than a decade ago, belittling Republican rivals and defeating two Democratic women in his White House campaigns. Now many Democrats are trying to project their own manhood — or at least more confidently deflect conservatives’ attacks — as they try to return to power.