Voters Cite Inflation and Trump's Personal Wealth in Midterm Defeat

Donald Trump’s economic record and personal financial ventures weighed heavily on Republican candidates in Tuesday’s midterm elections, according to a new AP Voter Poll. The survey of voters in all 50 states indicates that many Americans feel exhausted by the president’s influence and frustrated by rising prices.

Inflation emerged as the primary driver of the Republican loss. Voters reported seeing higher costs at grocery stores and gas stations, a reality that proved difficult for GOP candidates to ignore. In Texas, a Republican stronghold, about 2 in 10 voters said inflation caused severe hardship for their families. Three-quarters of this group voted for Democrat James Talarico in the Senate race.

The pattern held across the nation. Voters who described their concern over everyday costs as very high overwhelmingly chose Democratic candidates for House seats. Nationally, about two-thirds of voters said Trump’s policies, including his tariffs and the war in Iran, worsened the economy. Among this group, roughly 8 in 10 backed Democratic candidates.

Perceptions of corruption also played a major role. More than half of voters said government corruption was a crucial factor in their vote for Congress. This share exceeded the percentage of voters who called the cost of living a crucial issue. The poll found that most voters viewed Trump as more focused on his own fortune, which included over $1 billion from meme coins and cryptocurrency last year, than on public needs.

Trump’s endorsements further complicated the race for Republicans. The president often chose candidates based on loyalty, a trait that alienated some voters. In South Carolina, Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, struggled with foreign policy questions. About 6 in 10 voters in that state said she lacked the necessary experience for the Senate.

In Texas, Trump backed Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton had been impeached but not convicted. About two-thirds of Texas Senate voters said Paxton lacked the character required for the role. In North Carolina, voters rejected Republican nominee Michael Whatley, with about 6 in 10 describing him as too supportive of Trump. They instead elected former Governor Roy Cooper.

The poll suggests voters want a more assertive Congress. About 7 in 10 respondents, including roughly 4 in 10 Republicans, said Congress was not doing enough to check the presidency. Despite the Democratic gains, support for the party remains moderate. Only about half of voters held a favorable view of the Democrats, compared to about 4 in 10 for the GOP. Many voters who backed Democrats did so to seek change rather than because of deep affection for the party.