WASHINGTON — With fewer than 100 days remaining before the 2026 midterm elections, a new CNN poll suggests Democrats have opened an advantage over Republicans as voters express growing frustration with Congress and demand significant political change.
The CNN survey, conducted by SSRS, finds Democrats leading Republicans by 8 percentage points among registered voters on the generic congressional ballot. The Democratic advantage is considerably larger among voters who describe themselves as extremely motivated to participate in November’s elections, with Democrats holding a 20-point lead within that group.
The poll also finds Americans somewhat more optimistic about the possibility of Democratic control of Congress. About 38% say the country would be better off if Democrats won control in November, while 33% believe the country would be worse off. Another 29% say a change in congressional control would make little difference.
Voters Want Major Changes in Washington
Beyond the partisan numbers, the survey points to widespread dissatisfaction with the current political establishment.
A majority of registered voters say Congress would be better off if most sitting lawmakers were defeated this fall. According to CNN, that level of dissatisfaction is substantially higher than it was before the Democratic wave election of 2006, when the Iraq War played a major role in voter sentiment.
Neither political party escapes the public’s frustration. Americans continue to hold negative views of both Democrats and Republicans, while many voters believe Washington is failing to devote enough attention to economic pressures affecting households.
The cost of living remains a particularly important concern. According to the survey, 63% of Americans believe Republicans are spending too little time addressing cost-of-living issues. About 52% say the same about Democrats.
Democrats Gain Ground as the ‘Party of Change’
Public perceptions about which party represents political change have also shifted. Democrats now hold a 10-point advantage over Republicans when Americans are asked which is the “party of change.” That represents a significant reversal from last spring, when Republicans held a 7-point advantage on the same question.
Republicans still maintain a modest advantage when voters are asked which party is more capable of getting things accomplished, but that edge has narrowed over the past year.
At the same time, roughly half of Americans are unwilling to give either party credit for representing change or effectively delivering results, another indication of broader dissatisfaction with the country’s political leadership.
Democratic Voters Also Want Changes Within Their Party
The Democratic advantage heading toward November does not mean the party’s own supporters are satisfied with its direction. Nearly 6 in 10 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents believe the party requires major changes or a more comprehensive overhaul.
Among those calling for reform, many favor younger candidates, new leadership and a more forceful approach in opposing President Donald Trump. The poll suggests Democratic voters are less unified over whether the party should move further left or toward the political center.
Democratic identification has nevertheless strengthened among some voters since Trump began his second term. About 31% of Democratic-aligned adults say recent political events have made them feel closer to the Democratic Party, compared with 23% who said the same in January 2025.
Trump Remains a Major Motivating Factor
Opposition to Trump appears to be one of the strongest forces energizing Democratic voters ahead of the midterms. Seven in 10 Democratic-aligned voters say their November vote will be intended, at least in part, to express opposition to the president.
Among Republican-aligned voters, 41% say their vote will serve as a message of support for Trump. The divide also influences what voters expect from congressional candidates. Six in 10 Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say they would be upset if their party nominated someone who supported even some of Trump’s major policies.
Republican voters appear less resistant to candidates who distance themselves from the president. Only 18% of Republican-aligned adults say they would be upset if their party nominated a candidate who opposed important Trump policies.
The findings offer an early snapshot of the political environment heading toward November. While Democrats currently hold an advantage in congressional preference and voter enthusiasm, the survey also reveals substantial dissatisfaction with both major parties, suggesting that demands for economic relief, new leadership, and broader change could play an important role in determining control of Congress.
