Poll Shows Trump Unpopularity Drives Voters to Favor Democrats in 2026 Midterms

A new poll conducted by NPR, PBS News, and Marist University shows that President Donald Trump’s unpopularity is a major reason why most voters want Democrats to win the 2024 midterm elections. The survey, released on Thursday, found that 65 % of respondents who said they would vote for a Democratic candidate cited Trump as the primary motivation, compared with just 12 % who named other issues such as the economy or public health.

The poll, which sampled 2,500 likely voters across the United States, also revealed that 58 % of respondents who favored a Republican candidate said they would do so only if Trump were not running. In contrast, only 7 % of the same group listed Trump as a factor in their decision. Analysts note that the findings align with earlier exit‑poll data from the 2022 midterms, where Trump’s influence was also a decisive factor for many voters.

The results suggest that the Trump factor could shape the political landscape of the 2024 midterms, potentially driving turnout and influencing party strategies. As the election cycle moves forward, both parties are likely to adjust their messaging to address the president’s continuing impact on voter preferences.