By Fatma Younis
Nearly half of voters in the 2026 midterm elections saw their vote as a rebuke of President Donald Trump, according to an exit poll conducted on Election Day. Forty-three percent said opposition to Trump was a reason for their vote, a higher share than in the 2018 midterms during his first term.
Trump's Approval Rating Slips
Only 38% of voters approved of Trump's job performance, down from 45% in 2018. Majorities in Senate battleground states including Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, and Texas also disapproved, with disapproval higher than in 2018.
Economic Concerns Dominate
The economy emerged as the top issue, with 39% of voters rating it the most important problem. Seventy-five percent said the national economy is in rough shape, and 65% believed Trump's policies have worsened conditions. Sixty-two percent held Trump responsible for high prices. Concerns about gas, groceries, utilities, and healthcare were widespread, with nearly 8 in 10 saying inflation causes family hardship.
Unfavorable Views of Both Parties
Voters expressed more unfavorable than favorable views of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Fifty-nine percent viewed the GOP unfavorably, while 54% viewed the Democratic Party unfavorably. Nearly one in five voters held unfavorable opinions of both parties, up from previous midterms. Democrats held an edge on handling the economy, foreign policy, healthcare, and corruption, while Republicans led on immigration.
Latino and Young Voter Shifts
The poll showed a halt in the erosion of Democratic advantage among Latino voters. Forty-three percent identified as Democrats, up from 39% in 2024, giving Democrats a 16-point edge. Young voters also appeared to shift back toward the Democratic Party after Trump narrowed the margin among them in 2024.
