CBS exit poll results: 2026 midterm elections reveal voter concerns over costs, Iran and corruption
Trump and voter motivation
At 38%, President Trump’s approval rating is on track to be the lowest for a president in a midterm election, according to early exit polls. It is below his rating during his first term and George W. Bush’s in 2006, when Republicans lost both houses of Congress.
Democrats’ support is largely driven by opposition to Trump. Most MAGA Republicans say their vote is intended to support him, while most Republicans outside the MAGA movement say he is not a factor.
Economic concerns shape choices
Roughly three-quarters of voters are at least dissatisfied with the country’s direction, and more say they are angry about how things are going than in 2024. Economic anxiety persists, with Democratic voters particularly likely to express anger.
More voters view the economy negatively than two years ago, and those views resemble the 2022 midterms, when the party in power lost seats. Voters across parties worry about paying for essentials such as gas, groceries and utilities; cost of living matters across party lines but is more crucial to Democratic voters.
Issues divide party supporters
Immigration enforcement is more important to voters backing Republicans, for whom the economy ranks first and immigration second. Government corruption is a major factor for voters across party lines, and about six in 10 believe Trump puts his personal interests ahead of the country.
The war with Iran matters less to voters than the cost of living, but most say the United States made the wrong decision to take military action. That view includes about a quarter of Republicans.
Views on parties, AI and voting
About one in five voters backing Democrats for the House view the Democratic Party unfavorably, while most Democratic voters are motivated by opposition to Trump. More voters say artificial intelligence is doing more harm than good to society.
Large majorities are at least somewhat confident that votes will be counted accurately nationwide and in their states, and that eligible voters will be permitted to vote. Republican voters are much less confident that ineligible people will be prevented from voting; in every Senate battleground, more voters say their finances are worse than better compared with years ago.
Key points
- Trump’s 38% approval rating is below his first-term midterm level and George W. Bush’s 2006 rating.
- About three-quarters of voters are dissatisfied with the country’s direction.
- Cost of living is especially important to Democratic voters; immigration enforcement matters more to Republican voters.
- Most voters think the United States made the wrong decision to take military action against Iran.