Democrats Lead GOP in House Vote Choice Amidst Record Low Trump Approval: Poll

As the midterm elections approach, a significant majority of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with 72% expressing this sentiment, according to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll. Concurrently, President Donald Trump's approval rating has reached a personal record low of 33%, while 66% of Americans disapprove of his performance.

The poll, conducted by Ipsos using its KnowledgePanel from October 9-13, 2026, indicates that likely voters favor Democratic candidates over Republican candidates by an 8-percentage point margin in hypothetical congressional district elections, with Democrats receiving 52% support compared to Republicans' 44%. This represents an improvement for Democrats since a July poll where the margin was only 3 points.

Economic concerns appear to be a significant factor influencing voter sentiment. Approximately 7 in 10 Americans now consider gasoline unaffordable, a sharp increase from 28% in February. The national average gas price has exceeded $4 per gallon for a record 158 days in 2026. Affordability concerns extend to other essential items, with 65% deeming healthcare unaffordable, 57% finding home energy costs too high, and 50% stating rent or mortgage payments are unaffordable. Groceries are considered unaffordable by 60% of Americans.

Beyond necessities, the perception of affordability has worsened for relative luxuries as well. A 61% majority finds going out to dinner unaffordable, and 69% feel a weeklong vacation is out of reach. Even a new car is considered unaffordable by 80% of Americans.

Overall, 75% of Americans rate the nation's economy negatively, with 35% describing it as poor. Nearly half, 48%, report they are "not as well off" as they were when President Trump took office, a high point over both of his presidential terms. Voters who rate the economy poorly show a strong preference for Democrats, favoring them over Republicans by 72 points in the generic ballot.

President Trump's approval rating has hit a new low, with 33% approval and 66% disapproval. His strong disapproval rating stands at 52%, matching previous records. Among independents, Trump's approval is at a record low of 22%, with 76% disapproving.

Within the Republican party, 79% approve of the president, though this is a decrease from earlier in his term. A record-low 39% of Republicans strongly approve of Trump. Concerns about the cost of living are particularly damaging to the president's standing, with only 21% approving of his handling of the issue and 77% disapproving.

Americans' trust in Democrats to handle key issues generally outweighs their trust in Republicans. Democrats hold an advantage in areas such as healthcare (23 points), education (14 points), cost of living and inflation (14 points), and the economy (9 points). The public is divided on who to trust more for handling immigration, while Republicans are trusted more on crime by a 5-point margin.

Favorability ratings for both parties are underwater, but the Republican Party fares worse, with 35% favorable and 63% unfavorable, compared to the Democratic Party's 44% favorable and 54% unfavorable.

More Americans perceive both Trump and the Republican Party as "too extreme" (66% and 55%, respectively) than the Democratic Party (36%). The MAGA movement also faces significant disapproval, with a 69% unfavorable rating.

Regarding voting methods, those planning to vote in person on Election Day support Republicans by 11 points. However, voters who have already voted early by mail or plan to vote early at a polling place show a preference for Democrats by 26 and 14 points, respectively. Voters who plan to drop off their ballots before Election Day show the strongest support for Democrats, with a 50-point margin.

The poll surveyed 2,545 U.S. adults, including 2,032 registered and likely voters, between October 9-13, 2026. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points overall.