A recent national poll indicates that Democrats now hold a double-digit lead over Republicans in voter preferences ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The survey, conducted from May 11-15, 2026, found that 50% of respondents would support the Democratic candidate for Congress if the election were held today, compared with 39% who would back the Republican candidate in their district.
Another 11% of voters expressed no preference or declined to answer.
The results underscore the mounting challenges Republicans face as they seek to defend their narrow House majority during President Trump’s second term. Historically, the president’s party has often lost congressional seats in midterm elections.
The poll comes amid intensified campaign efforts by both parties ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle for control of Congress. Democrats have prioritized economic concerns, healthcare, and Republican-backed redistricting initiatives, while Republicans emphasize immigration, crime, and support for Trump’s agenda.
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., have increasingly signaled confidence in regaining the House majority in 2026. Jeffries recently stated that Democrats will take control of the chamber and respond aggressively to Republican-led redistricting efforts in several states.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, leaving them with minimal room for error on critical votes and elevating the stakes for the upcoming election cycle.
The survey also reveals an unsettled electorate, with more than 10% of respondents undecided or refusing to state a preference. The poll surveyed 1,507 registered voters nationwide, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points, including a design effect of 1.35.
