Ahead of US midterms, voters are frustrated with Trump, want change: Poll | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Widespread Voter Discontent Looms Ahead of Midterm Elections
Published on October 15, 2026
As the November 3 congressional midterm elections approach, a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll reveals a rising wave of disillusionment among voters across the United States. The survey, which includes responses from over 1,100 adults, indicates that a significant majority of Americans are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s domestic and foreign policies.
The poll findings suggest that 80 percent of respondents believe the country requires substantial change or a complete overhaul of its governance. The desire for transformation is particularly pronounced among Democrats and independents, though nearly half of Republican voters—45 percent—also express a need for significant change; an additional 13 percent call for total upheaval.
This overwhelming demand for legislative restructuring presents a challenge for the Republican Party, which seeks to maintain its majority in both houses of Congress. Voter concerns are heavily influenced by economic factors, with 85 percent identifying the economy as a critical issue in their voting decisions. Approximately 80 percent of registered voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of rising living costs, and around 75 percent disapprove of his overall economic performance.
Only about one-third of registered voters hold a positive view of the president, mirroring the low approval ratings for his administration. Meanwhile, a growing number of voters are expressing a preference for Democrats to lead Congress, reflecting a shift in sentiment against Republican incumbents.
While economic issues dominate the current political landscape, immigration and crime rates are also significant concerns, particularly among Republican voters. Conversely, healthcare is prioritized by 69 percent of respondents, with Democrats more likely to highlight it compared to Republicans. In contrast, emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and transgender rights rank lower on the list of voter priorities, with only 35 percent and 12 percent, respectively, deeming them as significant concerns.
Despite prevalent grievances, civic engagement remains highly valued among voters. Approximately two-thirds of registered voters assert that it is “extremely” important to participate in the upcoming election, and an additional 20 percent consider it “very” important. Notably, 75 percent of Democratic voters regard voting as “extremely” important, in comparison to about 60 percent of Republican respondents.
As election day nears, the evolving dynamics of voter sentiment and pressing economic concerns set a tense backdrop for the impending contests.
