Overview
- Polls in October show President Donald Trump’s approval around 30 percent, the lowest for a sitting president this close to midterms in decades and a drop that began in early October.
- Surveys from Pew and AP‑NORC report weak ratings for Trump on economic issues and the cost of living, with single‑digit to mid‑20s approval on those topics driving broad voter concern.
- Generic‑ballot and enthusiasm polls, including PBS News/NPR/Marist, show Democrats outpacing Republicans and higher Democratic turnout intent in key races such as the Texas Senate contest.
- Political scientists say the low approval rating creates a difficult environment for Republicans and makes House and Senate seat losses likely, though the size of any loss will hinge on who turns out to vote.
- Analysts note historical exceptions, including the 2002 midterms, and stress that polls are snapshots not predictions, so late events and turnout shifts can still change the outcome.