US Midterm Elections 2026: Why Trump Voters Are Less Excited to Vote Than Harris Supporters

Democratic voters who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election are significantly more excited to vote this November than those who backed President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, signaling a possible turnout problem for Republicans in the midterm elections.

The six-day survey, which was completed on Monday, found that men were more likely than women to say they were highly enthusiastic about voting and most certain to cast ballots. Male voters also showed some inclination toward Democrats, potentially threatening Republican support among a group that played an important role in Trump’s 2024 election victory. The findings come as both parties prepare for Nov. 3.

Trump Under Pressure

About 48 percent of voters who backed Harris in 2024 said they were “very enthusiastic” about voting in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, in which control of both chambers of Congress will be decided, according to Reuters. Only 30 percent of Trump voters expressed the same level of enthusiasm, the poll showed.

The results reinforce growing indications of a turnout advantage for Democrats and point to possible weaknesses within the coalition that helped Trump win the popular vote in 2024. His win was supported by solid backing from men, along with gains among Hispanic voters and other groups that moved toward Republicans during the election.

Democrats have received several other encouraging signals ahead of the midterms. They are broadly favored to take control of the House, while remaining competitive in the Senate, as Trump’s approval ratings have declined amid concerns over the rising cost of living and the war with Iran.

Republican strategist Charlie Gerow said the survey highlights the importance of his party’s efforts to bring supporters to the polls. However, he expects the enthusiasm gap to shrink as Republican voters become increasingly concerned about what he characterized as far-left Democrats potentially taking power.

“The enthusiasm has to be ginned up among Republicans because turnout is what’s going to determine the outcome of these midterm elections,” Gerow said.

Trump Still Has Support

Trump’s 2024 supporters remain overwhelmingly committed to voting Republican, while Harris voters are similarly likely to support Democrats. However, Trump’s voters appear less settled on their congressional choices. About 13% said they were unsure who they would vote for, compared with 7% of Harris supporters who gave the same response.

The nationwide poll surveyed 4,506 adults online and found that only 32 percent approved of Trump’s performance as president. That figure remained at the record low, which was first recorded in a Reuters/Ipsos survey in September.

Trump’s support has declined among every major demographic group since he returned to office in January 2025. The survey showed double-digit drops in support among Hispanics, men, rural and suburban residents, people without college degrees and evangelical Christians.

Men, in particular, have emerged as a notable area of change. Trump won male voters in each of his three presidential campaigns, including by 12 percentage points in 2024, according to a Pew Research analysis.

The survey also found that men would currently favor Democratic candidates over Republicans in a hypothetical congressional election, with Democrats receiving 43 percent support compared with 39% for Republicans. The four-point Democratic lead was the largest recorded among men during Trump’s second term. Male voters consistently leaned Republican throughout 2025 but have mostly favored Democrats since August.

The results come as voters express increasing concern about the cost of living, with gasoline and diesel prices climbing after the war with Iran. Trump ordered attacks on Iran in February despite campaigning on promises not to initiate new conflicts and to reduce costs for American consumers.