Note: Poll percentages may have been updated since this document was published.
Economic problems helped propel President Trump to victory in 2024, and those same problems led to his party’s downfall in 2026.
Fueled in part by economic frustration, parts of the Democratic coalition with which Mr. Trump made inroads in 2024 have shifted back to the Democrats this year.
Continuing negative views on the economy have turned against the ruling party. Those who said the economy was bad voted for Democrats in the House, according to CBS News exit polls.
This was the second election in a row that most voters told us inflation was a problem for them, and more said their finances were worse now than two years ago — these voters supported Democrats over Republicans in the House.
This election was clearly a referendum on Mr. Trump and, in large part, a rejection of his policies.
Nationally, most said his tariffs were hurting the economy, his administration’s immigration efforts went too far and the decision to take military action against Iran was the wrong one.
Groups are returning to the Democrats
In 2024, Mr. Trump made gains nationally among young voters, Latinos and women, but a majority of all of those groups supported Democrats in the House this year. Democrats’ margins on women were similar to those in 2018, when Democrats took control of the House during the president’s first term.
And majorities from each of these key groups said cost of living was a crucial factor in their vote.
Democrats made inroads with Republican-leaning groups
Historically, men have typically supported Republicans in presidential and midterm elections, but they split their votes widely this year.
Mr. Trump won by double digits among men in 2024. Today, most disapprove of the job he is doing, and those who do support Democrats.
Historically, white women vote overwhelmingly for Republicans, but they narrowly supported Democrats in this election, according to exit polls.
The national electorate was slightly more Democratic than in the two most recent elections, which helped Democrats. But their lead among independents was essential to putting them at the top. They also lead with those who did not vote in the 2024 presidential election.
This electorate was pessimistic – unhappy with the state of the country and the economy and not very optimistic for the next generation.
The Democrats could therefore have their work cut out for them.
Just over half of voters had an unfavorable opinion of the party. Voters have given Democrats an advantage over Republicans on the economy, so they likely expect results.
Joe Williams contributed to this report.
The CBS News exit poll team surveyed thousands of voters across the country at polling places on Election Day and in the weeks leading up to Election Day. This is how the a voter survey was conducted.
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