Trump's Unpopularity Boosts Democrats as Midterms Near

Donald Trump is unpopular, and voters are struggling with the cost of living. Both factors have helped Democrats gain ground ahead of the US midterm elections, now less than a month away. Midterms are largely a referendum on the sitting president. Trump's war on Iran and its effect on everyday costs have driven support toward the Democratic Party. "Pretend I'm on the ticket," Trump has told supporters — a rare point of agreement with Democrats, who are happy to tie the race to him. After heavy losses in 2024 and facing Republican gerrymandering, Democrats still face an uphill battle. But surveys give them a lead of about nine points on the generic ballot, which measures party preference rather than support for specific candidates. Democrats are now expected to win a clear majority in the House. Attention has shifted to the Senate, where a takeover once seemed unlikely. Flipping four of the 35 seats in play would give them control. Democrats are performing well even in red states, from Texas to Alaska. In Kansas — which Trump won by 16 points and which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932 — the race is tied.