NBC News Poll Shows Democrats Leading 2026 Midterms
Democrats hold a 7-point lead over Republicans in a national poll driven by record-high disapproval of President Donald Trump.
A national NBC News poll conducted from October 28 to October 30, 2026, shows the Democratic Party holding a 7-point lead over Republicans (52% to 45%) in the race for control of Congress. This advantage is primarily driven by widespread voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump, whose disapproval rating has reached a record high of 60%.
Poll respondents cited economic instability, rising prices during the Iran war, and a general sense that the country is on the wrong track as primary drivers of their sentiment. While the Republican Party maintains strength among MAGA supporters and in GOP-held districts, it has seen declines in approval among young voters, Latino voters, and non-MAGA Republicans.
Despite the lead, the data suggests Democratic support is largely fueled by opposition to the GOP rather than positive views of the Democratic Party, which maintains a low positive favorability rating of 29%. Among congressional leaders, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson holds the highest positive rating.
