Desire for change, anti-Trump feelings fuel Democrats’ midterms advantage: CNN poll

Democrats enter the last stretch of the midterm campaign with a 10-point lead on the congressional ballot, 49% to 39% among registered voters nationally, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS. CNN reports it is the party's widest margin in its surveys since just before the 2020 election, powered by strong showings among Black voters, Latino voters, women, younger adults and independents.

Donald Trump's approval has sunk to 32%, the lowest CNN has recorded, and only 13% approve strongly. About 6 in 10 voters say their ballot will send a message about him, and by 2-to-1 that message is opposition. Cost of living is the leading worry; 27% approve of his handling of the economy and 23% of inflation. Among Republicans, approval is 74%, down from 88% in February 2025.

Gains may be capped, however. Mid-decade redistricting and many tight races in districts Trump carried by double digits could keep a roughly 13-point swing from 2024, if the margin holds, from producing a large haul of seats.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →