Republicans are entering the midterm elections facing a more difficult political environment than in 2018, as President Donald Trump’s approval ratings and economic assessments have deteriorated. A CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows voters favor Democratic congressional candidates 49% to 41%, while 44% say their vote will be a message of opposition to Trump, compared with 19% who describe it as support. Only one-third of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, including 13% who strongly approve, both among his lowest ratings. His economic approval stands at 27%, while just 28% describe economic conditions as good. The economy is the most important issue for voters, with 68% calling it extremely important, and Democrats hold a seven-point advantage over Republicans on economic trust. Two surveys released this week also found Trump’s approval at new lows across both terms, with his current standing comparable to former President Joe Biden’s 42% approval rating in August 2022 and below Trump’s 52% approval at the start of his second term. Although Democratic voters are more motivated to vote and Democrats are favored to regain the House, Americans remain divided over whether a Democratic-controlled Congress would improve their cost of living, finances, corruption or foreign policy. Congressional Democrats and Republicans are each approved by about one-quarter of the public.