Democrats hold lead on generic House ballot while Trump approval hovers near record low

A Fox News poll conducted July 17-20 finds Democrats ahead of Republicans by seven points on the generic House ballot, the highest lead recorded in the outlet’s surveys since 1996. The margin places Democrats at 53% support versus 46% for Republicans, just outside the poll’s stated error range.

President Donald Trump’s job approval stands at 39%, unchanged for three months and only one point above his October 2017 low. The former president received net-negative ratings on immigration, Iran policy, the economy and inflation, with three-quarters of respondents rating the economy poorly.

Voters expressed strong desire for change, with 19% favoring “revolutionary” reform and another 38% seeking substantial change. About 70% said the Republican Party is closely tied to elite interests, compared with 55% for the Democratic Party.

"Although these data look promising for the Democrats, some of their support is in less-contested districts, padding their national totals without adding House seats," said Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts the Fox News surveys.

The poll also showed Democrats perceived as better equipped to handle income inequality, health care, inflation, the economy and foreign policy, while Republicans retained a modest edge on crime. Motivation to vote was higher among Democrats (68% extremely motivated) than Republicans (57%).

Overall, 85% of respondents supported a mandatory retirement age for members of Congress, and 65% believed the political system is rigged in favor of the wealthy.