By — Josh Boak, Associated Press Josh Boak, Associated Press By — Hyojin Yoo, Associated Press Hyojin Yoo, Associated Press By — Humera Lodhi, Associated Press Humera Lodhi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-trump-and-republicans-lost-the-2026-midterm-elections-according-to-ap-voter-poll Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter How Trump and Republicans lost the 2026 midterm elections, according to AP Voter Poll Politics Nov 4, 2026 11:19 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — After more than a decade with Donald Trump at the epicenter of U.S. politics, most voters appear exhausted and exasperated by him, according to The AP Voter Poll, a survey of midterm voters in all 50 states. LIVE RESULTS: 2026 Midterm Election Map The president's failure to deliver on key promises — most prominently, his vows to tame inflation, which has worsened instead — clearly weighed on his fellow Republicans in Tuesday's midterm elections for the House and the Senate. The polling shows that voters generally saw Trump as being more focused on his own fortune and gold-leafed existence than their needs. The president also helped elevate…
How Trump and Republicans lost the 2026 midterm elections, according to AP Voter Poll
In short
The AP Voter Poll revealed that roughly two-thirds of voters believed the administration's policies, including aggressive tariffs and foreign conflict, directly damaged the national economy. Everyday expenses for groceries, healthcare, and gasoline heavily influenced ballots, allowing Democrats to make significant inroads even in conservative areas like Texas. Meanwhile, widespread concerns over corruption mounted as voters took issue with Trump generating over $1 billion through cryptocurrency and soliciting corporate donations for White House construction.
Key points
- Severe economic strain and persistent inflation drove voters to overwhelmingly back Democ…: Severe economic strain and persistent inflation drove voters to overwhelmingly back Democratic candidates for both legislative chambers.
- Voters signaled a strong demand for legislative checks on executive power following contr…: Voters signaled a strong demand for legislative checks on executive power following controversial White House projects and personal financial dealings.
- Despite sweeping congressional victories, Democrats maintain only a narrow advantage with…: Despite sweeping congressional victories, Democrats maintain only a narrow advantage with an electorate that remains broadly dissatisfied with both parties.