Poll Finds Overwhelming Demand for Change in Washington as Voter Frustration With Trump Grows

AP-NORC Survey: Americans Demand Change in Washington as Trump Faces Mounting Voter Discontent

A majority of American voters are dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s leadership and want significant changes in Washington ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, according to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The findings point to growing challenges for Republicans as they seek to retain control of Congress amid concerns over rising living costs, the economy and the war with Iran.

The poll, conducted less than four weeks before Election Day, found that Democratic voters were more enthusiastic about voting than Republicans. More voters also preferred Democrats to control Congress, while unfavourable opinions of the Republican Party remained widespread.

Although the Democratic advantage was modest on some measures, the combined findings indicate a difficult political climate for Republicans as they defend their congressional majorities.

Economy and Rising Prices Dominate Voters’ Concerns

Economic pressures remain the biggest concern for Americans heading into the midterms. Around eight in 10 registered voters identified the economy or the cost of living as one of their leading election issues. Approximately two-thirds also highlighted healthcare and the war in Iran.

Immigration and crime, issues that have traditionally been central to Trump’s political messaging, ranked lower among voters’ top priorities.

“The world is going backwards. We can barely afford anything,” said Diana Walker, a 65-year-old Democrat from Decatur, Georgia, describing the financial difficulties faced by households.

The survey found widespread dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy. Nearly 80% of registered voters disapproved of his performance on the cost of living, while approximately three-quarters disapproved of his economic leadership.

The concerns were not limited to Democrats. Among Republican voters, only 44% approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 54% supported his performance on the economy.

Democrats More Motivated to Vote

The poll also identified a gap in voting enthusiasm between the two major parties.

Approximately two-thirds of registered voters said voting in the midterms was extremely important to them. Among Democrats, the proportion rose to around three-quarters, compared with roughly six in 10 Republicans.

Ryan Longbrake, a 52-year-old Democrat from Columbus, Ohio, said he was eager to vote and had encouraged his wife and two college-aged daughters to participate.

He pointed to Democratic momentum in Ohio’s gubernatorial and US Senate races, as well as the party’s efforts to compete in traditionally Republican-leaning states such as Iowa and Kansas.

Republicans have controlled Congress for the past two years. However, around half of registered voters said they wanted Democrats to control the House of Representatives or the Senate. Roughly four in 10 preferred Republican control, while 15% were undecided.

Most Voters Want a Different Political Direction

The survey found that dissatisfaction with Washington extended beyond party lines.

Around half of voters said they wanted substantial change in the way the country was governed, while approximately three in 10 favoured complete and total upheaval.

Democrats and independents were more likely than Republicans to demand a complete overhaul. However, discontent was also evident among Republican voters: 45% wanted substantial change, while 13% supported a complete upheaval.

“I’m kind of tired of sending people there and nothing gets done,” said Krista Kohles, a 70-year-old Republican from near Davey, Nebraska, expressing frustration with the lack of progress in Washington.

Iran War Creates Additional Pressure on Trump

Trump’s handling of foreign policy has also become a concern as the war with Iran continues.

The survey found that 69% of Republican voters supported Trump’s foreign policy, suggesting that a significant minority did not back his approach. This comes despite his earlier assurances that the conflict would last only four or five weeks.

DonnaJean Weber, a 72-year-old Republican from Manistee, Michigan, said she planned to vote for Republican candidates but was unhappy with rising prices and some of the administration’s policy decisions.

She also criticised Trump’s tariffs, saying they were contributing to the country’s difficulties.

The findings suggest that the Iran conflict and its economic consequences could influence voters who might otherwise be inclined to support the Republican Party.

JD Vance Also Faces Unfavourable Opinions

Vice President JD Vance, widely discussed as a potential contender in the next presidential election, also received mixed assessments.

Approximately half of registered voters expressed an unfavourable opinion of Vance, compared with around one-third who viewed him positively.

The figures indicate that dissatisfaction with the administration extends beyond Trump himself, although the survey does not establish how voters will ultimately behave in future presidential contests.

Democrats Benefit From Republican Discontent but Face Their Own Challenges

Despite Trump’s weak ratings, the Democratic Party has not secured overwhelming public support.

Around four in 10 voters viewed Democrats favourably, while approximately half held an unfavourable opinion. Republican perceptions were also negative, with roughly six in 10 voters expressing an unfavourable view of the GOP.

Among their own supporters, both parties retained strong backing, with approximately eight in 10 Democrats and Republicans viewing their respective parties favourably.

Independent voters offered a more difficult picture for Republicans. Around two-thirds of independents viewed the GOP negatively, compared with approximately four in 10 who held an unfavourable opinion of Democrats.

Michael Russo, a 51-year-old independent voter from Texas, described the country’s political situation under Republican control as a “nightmare”. However, he also questioned whether Democrats would make meaningful changes if they regained power.

His views reflect the challenge facing Democrats: capitalising on dissatisfaction with Trump while convincing voters that they can provide effective governance.

Midterms to Test Republican Congressional Control

The AP-NORC survey highlights a political landscape shaped by economic anxiety, concerns over foreign policy and declining confidence in Washington’s leadership.

Republicans face pressure to address the cost of living and demonstrate progress on the economy, while Democrats must turn voter dissatisfaction into support for their own agenda.

Although the poll does not predict the outcome of the November elections, it signals that control of Congress could be contested in an environment where many Americans are demanding change but remain uncertain about which party can deliver it.