Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Democrats leading Republicans by 11 points for Congress

A nationwide poll released on Monday indicates that Democrats hold an 11 point lead over Republicans in the general congressional race. The survey found that 47% of registered voters prefer Democrats for Congress, while 36% prefer Republicans. Another 11% said they did not know who they would support if an election were held today. This gap is one point smaller than the margin recorded in a previous Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on October 19.

The poll also measured how undecided voters were leaning. When those responses were included, the Democratic lead narrowed to nine points, with 50% favoring Democrats and 41% favoring Republicans. Among voters who said they were likely to cast a ballot, Democrats led by nine points, 53% to 44%.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating increased by one point to 32%. This figure is one point higher than the record low recorded in the previous week’s survey. Republicans are currently working to maintain their majorities in both the House and the Senate. If they lose control of either chamber, it could make it harder for the president to advance his agenda during the final two years of his second term.

Economic issues appear to be a central factor in voter preference. The survey showed that 73% of voters believe the cost of living is moving in the wrong direction. Inflation has risen since the president ordered military strikes on Iran in February, a move that pushed gasoline prices higher. Before that conflict, polls indicated voters favored Republicans as better stewards of the economy. Now, 37% of voters say Democrats handle the economy better, compared to 33% who choose Republicans.

Political analysts generally expect Democrats to have a strong chance of winning the House. However, they view the path to Senate control as more difficult. Democrats hold structural advantages in many district and state contests, which national generic ballot polls do not fully capture. The upcoming elections will determine which party controls Congress after November 3.

Voter enthusiasm also differs by party. The poll found that 46% of Democrats described themselves as very enthusiastic about the midterms. In comparison, 30% of Republicans reported the same level of excitement. The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online and collected responses from 1,679 US adults. This group included 1,280 registered voters.

The margin of error for all adults in the poll is two percentage points. For registered voters specifically, the margin of error is three percentage points. These figures provide a snapshot of national sentiment ahead of the election.