Overview

• A Washington Post/Ipsos survey conducted Sept. 11–15 finds voters trust Republicans over Democrats by 7 points on the economy, 13 on immigration, and 22 on crime.
• Compared with 2022, the GOP edge on the economy has narrowed from 12 points to 7, while advantages expanded on immigration (from 3 to 13) and crime (from 13 to 22).
• CNN data analyst Harry Enten argued the numbers reflect a substantive Republican advantage on top voter concerns heading into the 2026 midterms.
• Enten cautioned Democrats that negative views of President Donald Trump do not ensure Democratic gains if voters rate Republicans higher on key issues.
• Enten highlighted independents’ preferences from the poll, citing a narrow GOP lead on the economy, a 10-point lead on immigration, and a 21-point lead on crime among those voters.