President Trump’s job approval rating stands at 32%, while Democratic congressional candidates hold a national lead over Republicans just one week before the November 3 midterm elections, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed October 26. The findings come as Republicans seek to maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
The five-day national survey found that 32% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s performance, compared with 66% who disapprove. His approval rating increased one percentage point from the previous week’s record low of 31%, a change within the poll’s margin of error. Among registered voters, 47% said they would support a Democratic congressional candidate, compared with 36% who favored a Republican.
Economic concerns remain central to the election. The survey found that 73% of respondents said the cost of living was moving in the wrong direction, reflecting continued frustration over inflation and household expenses. When asked which party had a better approach to managing the economy, 37% favored Democrats and 33% selected Republicans.
The poll also revealed differences in enthusiasm between the parties. Among Democratic respondents, 46% described themselves as very enthusiastic about voting in the midterms, compared with 30% of Republicans. When undecided voters’ preferences were considered, Democrats maintained a nine-percentage-point advantage on the congressional ballot, 50% to 41%.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online among 1,679 U.S. adults, including 1,280 registered voters. The margin of error was approximately two percentage points for all adults and three points for registered voters. Although national polling provides a snapshot of public sentiment, individual House and Senate races will ultimately determine control of Congress when voters head to the polls on November 3.
