News

Democrats Hold Early Edge in 2026 Midterm Polling

Jamie Jackson
November 20, 2025

FILE - In this July 14, 2018, file photo, computer mouse pads with Secure the Vote logo on them are seen on a vendor's table at a convention of state secretaries of state in Philadelphia. As alarms blare about Russian interference in U.S. elections, the Trump administration is facing criticism that it has no clear national strategy to protect the country during the upcoming midterms and beyond. Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the administration’s response as fragmented, without enough coordination across federal agencies. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)

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(AURN News) — Democrats are entering the 2026 midterm cycle with encouraging momentum, according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll showing strong support among registered voters.
The survey asked voters, “If the 2026 election for Congress were held today, which party’s candidate are you more likely to vote for in your district?” A majority — 55% — said they would back the Democratic candidate, while 41% said they would support the Republican.

Independents, one of the most influential voting blocs in midterm elections, leaned heavily toward Democrats. Sixty-one percent said they would vote for a Democrat, compared with just 28% who preferred a Republican.
The poll also measured perceptions of blame for the recent government shutdown. Thirty-nine percent of respondents said congressional Democrats were most responsible. President Donald Trump fared slightly better, with 34% assigning him blame, while 26% pointed to Republicans in Congress.

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Jamie Jackson is an Emmy-nominated television and radio broadcaster who has served American Urban Radio Networks since 2015. He previously covered the Obama and Trump administrations as a White House Correspondent and Pool Reporter for AURN News. Jamie hosted a national PBS television special in 2023 and over the years has worked as a TV news anchor and local NPR host for stations across the country. His work has been honored by numerous organizations, including the NAACP and the Virginia Farm Bureau.