US Democrats claim historic midterms victory

Democrats secured a substantial win in the 2026 midterms, with Asian-Americans and other voters of color playing a crucial role, according to a recent voter poll. Conducted by a coalition of organizations, the poll involved 10,141 respondents, including 2,130 Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals. Harvard professor Taeku Lee, who led the research, highlighted a significant nine-point shift towards Democrats among AAPI voters compared to the 2024 results.

This shift contributed to a broader "multiracial, multi-ethnic blue wave" that transcended racial and ethnic lines. Among AAPI respondents, 56% favored Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, while 34% supported Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In congressional races, Democratic support surged to 64%, whereas Republican support remained steady at 33%.

The cost of living emerged as the primary concern for voters across all racial groups, with inflation topping the list (cited by 53% of respondents), followed by jobs and the economy (37%) and healthcare costs (33%). Specifically, AAPI voters most frequently mentioned food and grocery prices (50%), petrol prices (38%), and healthcare costs (34%).

Notably, younger voters demonstrated heightened political engagement, with one in eight AAPI voters casting their first ballot in 2026 and one in three first voting in 2022 or later. This trend was particularly pronounced among voters aged 40 and younger, with over half having their first vote in 2022 or subsequent years. Democrats' outreach efforts to AAPI voters also played a key role, with the party making a concerted effort to engage this demographic compared to Republicans.

Additionally, non-partisan groups and AAPI community organizations actively mobilized these voters, with one in three AAPI respondents hearing from at least one such organization.

Widespread concern about democracy was evident, with more than 70% of voters expressing worry over Congress' inability to check the president's power. Majorities of Black (73%), Latino (64%), and AAPI (59%) voters reported that voting rights were under attack. Furthermore, 73% of AAPI voters believed Republicans either lacked concern for them or harbored hostility towards them.

Civil rights group Advancing Justice – AAJC executive director John Yang emphasized that these findings underscore the rejection of abuses of power and the demand for government accountability. Yang stressed that Asian-Americans are not "white-adjacent" and align with other communities of color on key issues, affirming that their support is rooted in solidarity across racial lines.