A recent national poll reveals Democrats have established their largest advantage over Republicans in years as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The survey shows a significant shift in voter preferences compared to previous years.
Substantial Democratic Advantage
According to the NPR/PBS News/Marist survey conducted from November 10-13, 55% of voters stated they would select a Democratic candidate in their district if elections were held today. This compares to just 41% who would choose a Republican candidate.
The 14-point margin represents the largest Democratic lead in a Marist poll since 2017. That previous survey occurred during Donald Trump's first chaotic year in office, when voters were reacting to his aggressive actions on immigration, climate, and tax policy.
Independent Voters Driving Momentum
The Democratic advantage appears particularly strong among independent voters, who often determine election outcomes. The poll found that 61% of independents would choose a Democratic candidate, while only 28% would select a Republican.
This represents a dramatic change from November of the previous year, when Democrats and Republicans were nearly tied on the same question about candidate preference.
Trump's Continuing Influence
The survey also highlighted former President Trump's ongoing unpopularity among voters. According to the results, 56% of voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing, while only 39% approve.
Recent election results in New Jersey and Virginia similarly indicate Democratic momentum heading toward 2026. A separate CNN poll found that 41% of voters considered their vote a rebuke of Trump, compared to just 21% who saw it as support.
The current political landscape echoes the 2018 midterms, when Democrats gained approximately 40 House seats as voters expressed support for the party's healthcare focus and opposition to Trump's policies.
