Democrats Lead Republicans on Economy, Immigration in New NPR Poll

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll of 1,280 registered voters conducted on September 14-15 indicates that 53% of respondents would prefer a Democratic candidate for Congress, compared with 41% for a Republican, a 12-point margin. The survey, which has a margin of error of ±3.8 points, found voters view Democrats as more capable on gas prices, the economy, and foreign policy.

President Trump’s approval rating remains low, with 39% approving his performance and 53% expressing strong disapproval, the highest level recorded since the question was first asked in 2017. A plurality of voters (45%) said their congressional vote would be cast as a rejection of Trump, while 25% said it would support him.

On issue-specific questions, 41% of voters believe Democrats would handle immigration better than Republicans (38%). Democrats also lead on the economy (42% to 38%), gas prices (40% to 27%) and foreign policy (42% to 36%).

The poll notes that voter enthusiasm for Democrats is higher among independents, and that the shift could make traditionally Republican districts competitive in upcoming House and Senate races, including in states such as Ohio, Alaska, Iowa and Texas.

Republican candidates have begun to distance themselves from Trump on some policies. Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, whose district voted heavily for Trump, released an ad criticizing the president’s immigration enforcement. Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson and former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers, both Senate hopefuls, have recently supported ending the war in Iran and suspending gas taxes to address rising prices.