Democrats Lead GOP on 11 of 12 Major Issues Ahead of Midterms: Poll
Democrats have erased the Republican Party's advantage on immigration, a new poll shows.
A new poll indicates Democrats have erased Republicans' previous advantage on immigration and now lead on 11 out of 12 major issues, with less than three weeks remaining until the midterms. The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos survey reveals Democrats' trust in handling these issues surpasses Republicans on healthcare, inflation, the cost of living, education, the conflict with Iran, the Israel-Gaza conflict, taxes, and corruption. The GOP's sole advantage lies in crime.
Concerns about gasoline prices and the economy are on the rise, with Americans increasingly worried about affordability and economic stability. President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 33%, with many expressing dissatisfaction over his management of the Iran situation. Economic anxieties contribute to Democrats' growing edge on several domestic concerns.
The poll also shows Democrats leading Republicans by 14 points on inflation and the cost of living, while holding a nine-point advantage on the economy, the widest since 2022. Recent surveys indicate growing public anxiety about prices, with 74% concerned about gasoline and energy costs, 73% about food and consumer goods prices, and 69% about healthcare costs.
The findings suggest that affordability has become a significant concern across party lines, with 71% of Americans considering gasoline unaffordable, compared to 28% in February. The national average price of gasoline has exceeded $4 per gallon for 158 consecutive days in 2026. Public dissatisfaction with Trump's policies, especially on rising living costs, is widespread, with 78% blaming his administration for these issues.
The conflict with Iran is another critical element in the current polling environment, as Democrats hold an 11-point advantage on handling the situation. Approval ratings for Trump's handling of the conflict are low, with only 27% approving and 70% disapproving. Public confidence in the administration's approach to the Iran situation is low, while Democrats have gained an advantage on an issue that combines national security and economic concerns.
The political implications remain uncertain, as foreign policy assessments can change rapidly, and trust in a party's handling of an issue does not always translate directly into votes. The latest poll marks a significant shift from previous polling, where Republicans had a significant advantage on immigration. In November 2023, Republicans led by 12 points, but this lead dwindled to five points by May and disappeared by October. Democrats now lead by just 2 points, indicating a notable change in public perception.
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