Democrats Open 9-Point Midterm Lead as Trump Approval Sinks to 39%
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Sep 25
Democrats Open 9-Point Midterm Lead as Trump Approval Sinks to 39%
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Sep 25
Summary
NBC News’ polling average puts Democrats ahead 52% to 43% on the generic congressional ballot, their widest advantage yet with about a month until the 2026 midterms.
Independents are driving the shift: Democrats now lead that bloc by 16 points after frustration over Trump’s economy, the Iran war and killings of two Americans by federal immigration officers.
Trump’s approval has fallen to 39%, with 59% disapproving, down from 50% at the start of his term; independent approval has slid to 26% and Republican approval to 79%.
Republicans still see a path because many pivotal House and Senate races are in districts and states Trump carried in 2024, some by double-digit margins.