President Donald Trump’s approval rating hit a striking number just hours before millions head to the polls. A new Reuters/Ipsos survey reveals where voters stand on the president, rising costs, and which party holds the enthusiasm edge heading into Tuesday’s midterms.
The November 2 Reuters/Ipsos survey and its key findings
A Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on November 2 found President Donald Trump’s approval rating stuck near a career low at 32%. The survey of 1,765 U.S. adults carried a margin of error of 2 percentage points. Voters nationwide preferred Democrats over Republicans by 46% to 38% on the generic ballot question.
That 8-point Democratic lead narrowed from an 11-point gap recorded a week earlier. The generic ballot measures overall party preference but does not capture individual state or district races. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers of Congress.
Half of independent registered voters said their congressional vote opposed Trump. Only 13% of independents called it a vote for the president. Another 33% said Trump was not a factor in their decision.
Rising living costs dominated voter priorities ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. About 78% of voters rated the cost of living as very important or the most important issue. Voters favored Democrats over Republicans on the issue by 43% to 32%.
Political strategists from both parties view the House as Democrats’ best opportunity. All 435 House seats are on the ballot this cycle. Democrats face a tougher path in the Senate, playing defense in Alaska and Michigan.
A surge in fuel prices following Trump’s February launch of a war on Iran has deepened Republican vulnerabilities. Democratic voters also showed higher enthusiasm, with 49% reporting they felt “very enthusiastic” about voting. That compared with just 33% of Republican voters expressing the same level of excitement.
Trump’s approval sat just above his record low of 31%, recorded two weeks prior. The president will not appear on any ballot but remains a central figure in the race. Tuesday’s results will determine whether Republicans can hold onto their congressional majorities.
