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New Polls Show GOP Voter Enthusiasm Lags as 2026 Midterms Near

The gap threatens GOP turnout in a midterm without Trump on the ballot.

Overview

  • CNN’s analysis Thursday says recent surveys point to a real Republican motivation shortfall.
  • The report ties the shortfall to Trump’s unpopularity and a base that turns out most when his name is on the ticket.
  • A Washington PostABC News poll this week found 73% of Democrats call the election more important than past midterms, versus 52% of Republicans.
  • A late-March CNN poll showed only 48% of Republicans viewed their vote as a show of support for Trump, while 76% of Democrats said they would vote to oppose him.
  • An NPR/PBS News/Marist survey reported 61% of Democrats are very enthusiastic about voting and 53% of Republicans say the same, and a Marquette poll last month found only 28% of Republicans and GOP-leaning voters very enthusiastic compared with 47% of Democrats.