See CBS News exit poll results for the 2026 midterm elections
Here's a national look at what's on voters' minds in the 2026 midterm elections as they cast their ballots.
CBS News has released early exit poll results for the 2026 midterm elections, painting a picture of widespread dissatisfaction among voters. President Trump is projected to have his lowest approval rating in a midterm election, sitting at 38%, which is lower than during his first term and George W. Bush's 2006 election. Midterms are often used as a referendum on the sitting president, and this election is no exception.
Voters overwhelmingly see Trump as a factor in their vote for the House, with roughly six in ten saying he influences their decision. While Democrats are motivated by opposition to Trump, Republican voters' support seems less focused on him. In contrast, most Republican voters in 2018 said they backed Trump, but that number has decreased in recent years.
The electorate is clearly unhappy, with three-quarters of voters expressing dissatisfaction with the country's direction. Anger levels are higher now than in 2024, particularly among Democrats. Economic anxiety continues to be a major issue, with voters feeling the pinch in their wallets and expressing concerns about inflation's impact on their finances. The cost of living is a key factor for Democratic voters, while immigration enforcement is more crucial for Republican voters.
The economy tops the list of important issues for voters across parties, followed by the state of democracy. Democrats prioritize the state of democracy, concerned about government corruption. About 90% of voters believe government corruption is a major factor in their vote, with a significant portion believing Trump prioritizes his personal interests over the country.
The Iran War, while less of a factor than economic issues, remains unpopular, with many believing the U.S. made the wrong decision to engage in military action. Data centers and artificial intelligence also rank as emerging concerns, with majorities opposing data center construction and seeing AI as more harmful than helpful.
Despite widespread dissatisfaction, no major political party is viewed favorably by a majority of voters. One in five Democrats have an unfavorable view of the Democratic Party, and neither party is seen as the best-equipped to handle key issues. While voters are confident their votes will be counted accurately, Republicans are less confident about preventing ineligible voters from casting ballots.
The CBS News exit poll, conducted across the country, measures voter preferences in the House of Representatives, with each House seat decided individually. Early results show Trump's job approval underwater in nearly all Senate battleground states, and financial concerns are prevalent across party lines.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
