Frustrated with Trump, voters overwhelmingly want change, AP-NORC poll finds

The AP-NORC poll shows broad dissatisfaction with President Trump, especially on the issues voters consider most urgent. Only about one-third of registered voters view him favorably or approve of his performance. The economy and cost of living lead voters’ concerns, while healthcare and the war in Iran also rank highly.

The poll finds a modest Democratic advantage in enthusiasm and congressional preference. About three-quarters of Democratic voters say voting is extremely important, compared with roughly six in ten Republicans. About half of voters prefer Democratic control of each chamber, versus roughly four in ten for Republicans, with 15% undecided.

These results matter because Republicans are defending their control of Congress while facing weak views of Trump, high prices, and an unpopular war. About half of voters want substantial change, and three in ten want complete upheaval. The findings point to a difficult midterm environment for Republicans, especially if dissatisfied voters participate.

The poll measures two forms of voter demand for change. About half of registered voters want substantial change in how the country is run, while roughly three in ten want complete and total upheaval. Together, those figures show that dissatisfaction is widespread, not limited to one political party.

Congressional preferences are less dramatic but still important. About half of voters want Democrats to control the House, and about half want Democrats to control the Senate. Roughly four in ten prefer Republicans to control each chamber, while 15% remain undecided. The question concerns party control, not the number of individual seats.

Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to favor a full overhaul. Still, Republican voters are not uniformly satisfied: 45% want substantial change and 13% want upheaval. If these preferences translate into votes, Republicans could face losses in their effort to retain Congress.

A midterm election is a national election held partway through a president’s term. Its central purpose is to elect members of Congress, including representatives and some senators. It does not elect the president. The term “midterm” reflects its timing between presidential elections.

A presidential election focuses on choosing the president and vice president, while a midterm focuses on congressional contests and other races. In the context of this article, voters are deciding whether Democrats or Republicans should control the House and Senate. Party control depends on which candidates win enough individual races.

Midterms matter because Congress can change even when the president remains in office. The 2026 election described in the poll comes less than four weeks before Election Day, with Republicans currently controlling Congress. The poll suggests voters’ views of Trump, prices, and national issues could influence congressional choices and the balance of power.

Democratic voters appear more motivated because many see the election as a chance to create change. About three-quarters say voting is extremely important, compared with roughly six in ten Republican voters. That enthusiasm matters because turnout determines whether broad preferences become actual election results.

Ryan Longbrake, a Democratic voter from Ohio, said he was excited to vote and had encouraged his wife and college-age daughters to participate. He pointed to Democratic momentum in Ohio’s governor and Senate elections. The party is also investing in Republican-leaning states such as Iowa and Kansas, where candidates face friendlier conditions.

The poll does not identify one single cause for the enthusiasm gap. It does show Democrats are more enthusiastic, while voters overall express frustration with Trump and want change. Republicans still have motivated supporters, but lower reported urgency could matter if Democratic voters turn out at higher rates in closely contested congressional races.

If voters unhappy with Trump turn out for Democratic candidates, Democrats could gain congressional seats and potentially take control of one or both chambers. Control is decided by individual House and Senate races, so national dissatisfaction must translate into victories in particular districts and states.

The poll provides a possible path for that shift. About half of voters prefer Democrats to control the House, and about half prefer Democratic control of the Senate. Roughly four in ten prefer Republicans in each chamber, while 15% are undecided. Democratic voters also report greater enthusiasm, which could strengthen their turnout advantage.

The outcome is not guaranteed by the poll. Republicans have controlled Congress for the past two years, and Republican voters still support their party. However, weak views of Trump, high concern about prices, and widespread demands for change create a challenging environment. Strong Democratic turnout could turn those attitudes into new congressional control.

Economic concerns are more important because they shape basic household decisions every day. Prices for necessities, the ability to pay bills, and financial security affect voters across party lines. The poll reflects this reach: about 8 in 10 voters say the economy or cost of living is among their top election issues.

Healthcare and the war in Iran also matter to about two-thirds of voters. Immigration and crime, issues that are stronger for Trump, rank as lower priorities. Diana Walker, a Democrat from Georgia, described people as struggling to afford things and said the pressure affected both Democrats and Republicans. Her comment illustrates the issue’s broad personal impact.

This emphasis creates a political problem for Republicans because voters are frustrated with Trump’s handling of prices. The article reports that nearly two years after his election, about 8 in 10 registered voters disapprove of how he is handling the cost of living. Economic concerns may therefore shape both turnout and party choice.

Inflation means prices rise, reducing what each dollar can buy. Wages matter because they determine whether people can keep up with those increases. If rent, food, fuel, healthcare, or other expenses rise faster than pay, households feel poorer even when their earnings increase. These pressures shape views of the economy.

For example, a family facing higher grocery and energy bills may cut spending, delay purchases, or struggle to pay for necessities. If wages do not keep pace, the household experiences a loss of purchasing power. That direct experience can make economic statistics feel less important than the monthly budget and may influence judgments about national leadership.

The article reports that about 8 in 10 voters prioritize the economy or cost of living, and nearly 8 in 10 disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living. The poll therefore shows a connection between household pressure and presidential evaluations, though it does not separately measure inflation or wage growth.