Voters reject Trump-backed Republicans in midterms

Democratic candidates won control of the House and Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, an outcome driven by voter frustration with President Donald Trump and high inflation costs. The Associated Press Voter Poll, which surveyed midterm voters in all 50 states, shows that most voters were exhausted by the president's leadership style. Many perceived that he prioritized his own wealth and personal interests over national needs. This sentiment weighed heavily on his Republican counterparts across the country.

Inflation was the central economic issue for voters. People reported seeing high prices on groceries, gasoline, and auto repairs. In Texas, a traditional Republican stronghold, about 2 in 10 voters said inflation caused severe hardship to their families. Three-quarters of that group voted for Democrat James Talarico for the Senate. A further 6 in 10 voters reported moderate hardship, and Talarico won the majority of those voters as well. Nationally, voters who were very concerned about everyday costs overwhelmingly chose Democratic candidates in their local House races.

Voters also blamed Trump for specific policies. About two-thirds of respondents nationwide said that his tariffs and the war in Iran worsened the economy. Among that group, about 8 in 10 backed the Democratic candidate. Corruption was a major factor in voting decisions. More than half of voters nationally said government corruption was crucial to their choice, a slightly higher share than those who cited the cost of living. Many voters viewed Trump as obsessed with his own financial gains, including his earnings from meme coins and his plans for a White House ballroom.

The election results signal a desire for a more assertive Congress. About 7 in 10 voters said Congress was not doing enough to check presidential power. This sentiment was shared by about 4 in 10 Republicans. The AP poll indicates that voters are not necessarily embracing the Democratic Party out of affection, but rather seeking change. Only about half of voters had a favorable view of the Democratic Party. A similar share of voters who supported Democrats held a negative view of the party overall. Instead, voters in key races prioritized candidates who promised needed change.

The Maine Senate race illustrates this trend. Most voters who valued having a candidate with the right experience chose Republican incumbent Susan Collins. However, a larger group of voters cared most about bringing about needed change, and they favored Democrat Troy Jackson. Trump's endorsements also hurt Republican candidates in other states. He supported candidates with visible flaws, such as former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had been impeached. About two-thirds of Texas voters said Paxton lacked the character to serve in the Senate. In South Carolina, Trump endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. About 6 in 10 voters in that state said she lacked the necessary experience.

In North Carolina, about 6 in 10 voters said the Republican Senate nominee, Michael Whatley, was too supportive of Trump. Those voters chose former Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, instead. The polling suggests that while many voters dislike both parties, they broke for Democrats in these specific contests. Roughly 2 in 10 voters said neither party was better equipped to handle issues like the economy or healthcare. An even larger share said neither party would better address corruption or artificial intelligence. These skeptical voters generally voted for Democratic candidates.

The election results leave Democrats with a mandate to provide stronger oversight of the executive branch. The AP Voter Poll highlights that the Democratic advantage on key issues like the economy is relatively slim. About 6 in 10 voters said they were personally very concerned about the cost of food and groceries. The new congressional majority faces the challenge of addressing these costs while establishing checks on presidential power.