A new national survey shows Republicans holding a lead on the congressional generic ballot, while a majority of voters believe the country remains on the wrong track.
As the political focus begins to shift towards the 2026 midterm elections, a new national poll reveals an electorate marked by economic anxiety and a preference for Republican control of Congress.
The survey, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates among 1,000 general election voters from September 17th to 22nd, 2025, shows persistent pessimism about the nation's direction, even as opinions on the current state of the economy remain mixed. Republicans currently hold an edge in the battle for Congress, but a significant block of undecided voters could reshape the landscape.
A clear majority of voters, 57%, believe the United States is heading down the wrong track, while only 35% feel the country is moving in the right direction. This negative outlook is broadly consistent across recent months.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates
Pessimism is particularly high among Democrats (86% wrong track), Independents (65%), and voters who disapprove of President Trump's job performance (94%). Conversely, 65% of Republicans and 66% of those who approve of Trump's job performance believe the country is headed in the right direction.
Looking ahead to the 2026 congressional elections, Republicans lead Democrats on the generic ballot by 6 points, 47% to 41%. 12% of voters remain undecided.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates
This lead represents a strengthening for the GOP compared to recent months, where the gap had narrowed. Republicans hold strong leads among their base (94%), conservatives (84%), and voters who supported Trump in 2024 (90%).
Democrats maintain similar loyalty among their core groups. Crucially, Independents are closely divided, slightly favoring Republicans 35% to 34%, but with a large 32% undecided.
Regarding President Trump, 49% of voters approve of both him and his policies. Another 16% disapprove of Trump personally but like many of his policies. Meanwhile, 46% disapprove of both the President and his policies.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates
This suggests a durable base of support anchored in policy agreement, even among some who dislike Trump personally. Notably, among those who voted for Trump in 2024, 90% approve of him and his policies.
Economic issues remain the top concern for voters, cited by 41% as the most important category. Within economics, reducing inflation and the cost of living is the single biggest issue (21%). Social issues follow at 24%, with Social Security/Medicare (12%) being the most prominent. Security issues are third at 17%, led by border security/immigration (6%).
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates
While 54% of voters believe the U.S. is not currently in a recession, a larger majority, 60%, feel the economy is getting worse, compared to only 34% who think it is getting better.
Screenshot from McLaughlin & Associates
Furthermore, 82% of voters report that inflation and higher costs have impacted their personal finances, with 46% saying they are struggling to keep up and afford necessities. Only 18% say they can afford normal spending without cutting back.
The latest polling paints a picture of a cautious electorate. While Republicans enjoy a lead on the generic congressional ballot, widespread economic unease and the significant number of undecided voters, particularly Independents, leave the door open for shifts before the 2026 midterms. The persistent feeling that the country is on the wrong track, coupled with personal financial struggles due to inflation, suggests that economic messaging will remain central to both parties' strategies.
Looking even further ahead, the survey indicates a relatively even split among Independents regarding which primary they might vote in for 2028, with 33% leaning Republican, 33% Democratic, and 34% not expecting to vote in either. J.D. Vance currently leads the potential 2028 Republican field (42%), while Gavin Newsom leads a fragmented Democratic field (22%). These early indicators underscore the fluid nature of the political landscape as both parties navigate voter concerns about the economy and the nation's future direction.