Overview
- The Jan. 9–12 CNN/SSRS survey finds 66% of Democrats versus 50% of Republicans say they are extremely motivated to vote in 2026, a 16-point gap.
- Republican self-reported extreme motivation fell from about 67% in October 2024 to 50% now.
- Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot by roughly 5 points overall, expanding to about 16 points among the extremely motivated.
- Among Republicans, belief that GOP lawmakers are effective at passing preferred laws dropped from about 90% in January 2025 to about 70% now.
- Harry Enten notes that 59% of voters in the poll disapprove of President Trump, and among those voters about 76% prefer Democrats for Congress versus roughly 8% for Republicans.