Trump Disapproval Hits 60% as Democrats Take 7-Point Lead in Congressional Race

The race for control of the U.S. Congress is tightening as voter frustration with President Donald Trump reaches a new high. A national poll released on November 1 shows Democrats leading Republicans by seven points in the battle for both chambers. This margin represents a two point increase over the previous month's results.

The survey, conducted by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, polled registered voters from October 28 to October 30. It found that 52 percent of respondents prefer a Democratic Congress compared to 45 percent who prefer a Republican one. The gap is widest among independent voters, where Democrats lead by 21 points. Three percent of those surveyed remained undecided, a group that could decide close races in the House and Senate.

Economic concerns drive much of this sentiment. Approximately three in four voters say they are dissatisfied with the current economic situation. This dissatisfaction has risen alongside inflation and rising prices during the conflict with Irán. For the first time in 30 years of NBC News polling, more voters (51 percent) report being unhappy with their personal finances than happy (49 percent).

President Trump’s approval rating stands at 40 percent, while his disapproval rating has hit a record 60 percent during his two terms. Jeff Horwitt, the Democratic pollster involved in the study, noted that the presidency is defined by the contrast between promises made two years ago and the current political landscape. Bill McInturff, the Republican pollster, observed that Democrats control the agenda for 2026, with only voters prioritizing immigration leaning toward the Republican Party.

Republican voters in districts Trump won in 2024 remain supportive of their party. However, 37 percent of Republicans believe Trump has failed to keep his promises. In states Trump carried in the 2024 election, his approval rating is negative, with 53 percent disapproving of his job performance compared to 47 percent approving. This is a ten point drop from March 2025.

Voter engagement is high, with 70 percent of respondents rating their interest in the election between 9 and 10 on a 10 point scale. Democrats lead by 12 points among the most engaged voters. The poll also indicates that Democrats hold a five point advantage over Republicans regarding who would better handle issues related to transgender people, despite recent Republican campaign messaging on the topic.

The next step is the general election on Tuesday. Democrats need to win at least two states in the Senate where Trump won by double digits to take control. The outcome will depend on whether the current surge in Democratic support can overcome the structural advantages Republicans hold in key legislative districts.