Poll finds Democrats still boosted by voters' economic concerns
President Trump is a key factor driving support and opposition; turnout looms large.
Key points
- Democrats lead in the CBS News House model with 229 seats, though Republicans retain a narrow path to hold the majority.
- Most voters are motivated more by opposing the other side than by supporting their own party's plans.
- President Trump is a central factor, with over seven in 10 Democratic voters saying their vote is to oppose him.
Democrats maintain a lead in the race for a House majority, according to a CBS News poll conducted October 21-23, 2026. The CBS News House model estimates Democrats at 229 seats, with a potential range into the 230s, though Republicans still have a very narrow path to hold the majority.
The poll of 2,355 U.S. adults found that many voters are motivated more by preventing things they fear than by what they might gain. The economy and inflation remain top concerns, and voters' overall ratings of the economy continue to be negative.
What motivates voters
Most Democratic voters say their vote is to oppose President Trump or Republicans, even more than to help Democrats. More than seven in 10 voting for Democrats say their vote for Congress is to oppose the president. Trump also motivates Republicans, but to a lesser extent.
Neither party is seen by a majority of voters as having a clear plan if it wins Congress. About four in 10 Democratic supporters do not believe the party has a clear plan, and they cite opposition to Trump as their main motivator.
Call it the "avoidance" election, with many on each side more motivated by trying to prevent or stop things than by what they'll gain.
— CBS News
Economic and other concerns
Most likely voters feel the president's policies are making them financially worse off. More voters think gas prices will go up if Republicans win than if Democrats do, though few think prices will go down no matter who wins. Most voters also think there will be more corruption in government if Republicans maintain control of Congress.
About a third of voters think the Democratic Party puts the interests of recent immigrants ahead of U.S. citizens, and these voters largely back Republicans. Another third thinks the party prioritizes both groups, and these voters support Democrats.
