Early exit polls from the US midterm elections pointed to broad dissatisfaction with the country’s direction and a possible backlash against President Donald Trump and his agenda. Voters were choosing who would control Congress for the final two years of Trump’s term, but the polls offered an early indication of voter sentiment before results were announced.
Nearly nine in 10 respondents said the cost of living was a crucial or major factor in their vote. Almost two-thirds blamed Trump for high prices, while three-quarters said they were angry or dissatisfied with the country’s direction. A majority also said his policies, including the Iran war and tariffs on foreign goods, had worsened the economic situation. Voters expressed concern about government corruption as well.
The findings came from exit polls conducted by SSRS for a consortium of US media outlets, including major television networks and the Associated Press. They suggested that Trump’s recent campaign appearances for Republican candidates had done little to ease voter discontent.
The polling also indicated that several groups that supported Trump’s 2024 victory were less supportive of Republicans this time. Among voters aged 18 to 29, Republican backing fell from more than 40% in 2024 to 25%. Support among Hispanic voters dropped from nearly half to about a third, while it declined among Black men from 21% to 13%.
White born-again and evangelical Christians, who favored Republicans by more than a four-to-one margin during this election cycle, made up 17% of the electorate, down from nearly a quarter in 2024. By contrast, voters over 65 accounted for a slightly larger share of midterm voters than in 2024 and very slightly favored Republicans.
The demographic figures were early polling data. If they hold, the declines among several voter groups could pose a challenge for Republicans as the party looks toward the 2028 election.
Sources: Investing.com News.