CNN pollster delivers devastating update before midterm elections as Trump’s favorite faces Democratic momentum

A late shift in battlegrounds

Polling released in the final hours before Election Day showed Democrats leading in nearly every battleground state expected to shape control of the Senate. Enten, a CNN data analyst, called the findings an “earthquake” for President Donald Trump and Republicans.

Enten said the numbers could indicate a “blue wave” and described a possible net gain of seven seats for Democrats. He also cautioned that Republicans remained in the contest, saying Democrats were likely well positioned but the race was not settled.

Alaska and Iowa remain close

In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola was one point ahead of Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan in NYT/Siena data cited by Enten. He said there was no clear statistical leader and characterized the contest as too close to call.

Iowa showed a similar margin: Democrat Josh Turek led Republican Ashley Hinson by one point. The article reported that Enten also considered that race too close to call.

Democrats lead in other states

Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton, a former Methodist pastor, polled at 49 percent, compared with 44 percent for Republican incumbent Roger Marshall. In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson was six points ahead of Republican Susan Collins; Jackson had replaced Graham Platner late in the race.

Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed led Republican Mike Rogers by more than 10 points, at 53 to 42 percent. The poll was conducted before Democrat Haley Stevens unexpectedly endorsed Rogers, and the effect of that endorsement remained unknown.

In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown led Republican Jon Husted by five points, 49 to 44 percent. Brown previously represented the state and is seeking to return to the Senate.