But warning signs remain: just 16% of swing voters said the Democratic Party has a solution for the cost of living.
2
1
4
The GOP playbook flopped. 61% said Republican claims that their tax cuts helped working families were false.
And attacks on trans athletes were the only topic tested where a plurality of voters (48%) wanted to hear less.
And attacks on trans athletes were the only topic tested where a plurality of voters (48%) wanted to hear less.
1
2
5
Swing voters trusted Democrats over Republicans on inflation and the cost of living by 15 points — a reversal from 2024.
And voters in TX, MI, and ME trusted their Democratic Senate candidate more to stand up to corporations, fight for people like them, and lower costs.
And voters in TX, MI, and ME trusted their Democratic Senate candidate more to stand up to corporations, fight for people like them, and lower costs.
1
3
7
In Texas, Michigan, and Maine, majorities backed progressive policies: a 10% tax on income over $1 million, a $15 minimum wage, Medicare for All, and pausing new AI data center construction.
1
2
5
NEW: Our post-midterms report breaks down how Democrats won back Congress with a focus on economic populism.
Candidates made fighting billionaires, elites, and corporations the centerpiece of their campaigns, and voters responded. 🧵
Candidates made fighting billionaires, elites, and corporations the centerpiece of their campaigns, and voters responded. 🧵
1
18
37
NEW: What's on voters' minds as they head to the polls today?
A majority of voters say they've been hearing "a lot" about the cost of living, the war in Iran, AI, and data centers.
A majority of voters say they've been hearing "a lot" about the cost of living, the war in Iran, AI, and data centers.
2
12
25
In the races for governor, Democrats lead in Maine and Michigan, but trail narrowly in Texas.
MI: Benson 52% - James 43%
ME: Pingree 49% - Charles 37%
TX: Abbott 48% - Hinojosa 47%
MI: Benson 52% - James 43%
ME: Pingree 49% - Charles 37%
TX: Abbott 48% - Hinojosa 47%
1
12
47
NEW POLLS: In Maine, Michigan, and Texas, we find the Democratic candidates for Senate leading their Republican opponents in each state.
ME: Jackson 50% - Collins 45%
MI: El-Sayed 50% - Rogers 46%
TX: Talarico 49% - Paxton 45%
ME: Jackson 50% - Collins 45%
MI: El-Sayed 50% - Rogers 46%
TX: Talarico 49% - Paxton 45%
9
82
395
New polling with @IPS_DC finds that a majority of voters (53%) have a negative view of private jets being used to transport politicians to campaign events.
![Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Have a Negative Opinion of Private Jet Use for Transporting Celebrities, Politicians, and Wealthy People for Leisure.
Description: Do you have a positive or negative opinion of private jets being used for each of the following purposes?
To transport medical patients or medical materials (such as organ donations) for medical emergencies — Positive: 84%, Negative: 8%
To deliver disaster relief supplies, rescue crews, and evacuees to areas commercial flights can't reach — Positive: 83%, Negative: 8%
To transport sports teams for sporting events — Positive: 50%, Negative: 36%
To transport animals, including pet dogs and race horses — Positive: 46%, Negative: 36%
<strong>[SPLIT A]</strong> To transport company executives for business purposes — Positive: 39%, Negative: 46%
To transport celebrities to events, such as concerts — Positive: 33%, Negative: 52%
To transport politicians to campaign events — Positive: 32% Negative: 53%](/pic/orig/media%2FHV4dxRLWYAAkSjh.jpg)
1
8
13
While 45% of Americans with high social engagement believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, only about 1 in 4 Americans with very low social engagement (24%) say the same.
1
5
4
While 65% of Americans with high social engagement agree that “people like me can actually make a difference in our political system,” only 42% of Americans with very low social engagement concur.
1
1
2
NEW: Our recent survey data found significant declines in Americans’ social activity since the 1990s.
The least socially engaged Americans are more likely to distrust government, say the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, and feel they can’t make a difference in politics.
The least socially engaged Americans are more likely to distrust government, say the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, and feel they can’t make a difference in politics.
1
6
8
NEW: As the Trump administration moves to reconsider permits for the Revolution Wind project, we find that voters support offshore wind projects by a +36-point net margin.
Additionally, a majority of voters oppose stopping the operation of Revolution Wind.
Additionally, a majority of voters oppose stopping the operation of Revolution Wind.
1
5
6
Fifty-nine percent of veterans in Arizona and North Carolina say the country is on the wrong track.
1
0
0
NEW with @commondefense: Most veterans in Arizona and North Carolina (55%) say their voice and priorities are represented “very little” or “not well at all” in national political debates.
1
0
2
Asked how they feel about Trump’s second term so far, voters are much more likely to say “worried” (61%), “disappointed” (59%), and “angry” (57%) than “hopeful” (45%), “satisfied” (41%), or “proud” (41%).
1
0
1
Voters across party lines say the cost of living has worsened since 2024, including majorities of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.
1
0
0
NEW: Most voters say Trump hasn’t kept his biggest campaign promises, including:
Gas below $2 (70% not kept)
No more wars (65%)
End inflation on day one (63%)
End Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours (62%)
Gas below $2 (70% not kept)
No more wars (65%)
End inflation on day one (63%)
End Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours (62%)
3
9
27
This October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and new Data for Progress polling finds disabled voters face higher rates of financial strain.
Nearly half (45%) of disabled voters say they are very stressed financially, compared with 25% of non-disabled voters.
Nearly half (45%) of disabled voters say they are very stressed financially, compared with 25% of non-disabled voters.
1
5
7
Heading into the 2026 midterms, financial stress is at the forefront of voters’ minds.
A new Data for Progress survey finds that the factor most correlated with voters’ financial stress is their level of debt — the strongest relationship of any measure we tested.
A new Data for Progress survey finds that the factor most correlated with voters’ financial stress is their level of debt — the strongest relationship of any measure we tested.
1
5
7
More than 4 in 10 voters want approvals for roads and bridges, solar farms, and wind farms to be sped up.
And more than 4 in 10 voters want data center development to be slowed down.
And more than 4 in 10 voters want data center development to be slowed down.
1
1
8
Voters are most confident that building new clean energy projects will lower costs, while 57% of voters say that building new data centers will not help lower costs.
1
1
7
NEW POLL: More than 3 in 4 voters (76%) would support a new transmission line in their community to connect more clean energy to the grid.
In contrast, voters are 40 points less supportive of building transmission lines to connect more AI data centers.
In contrast, voters are 40 points less supportive of building transmission lines to connect more AI data centers.
![Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress.
Title: Voters Support Transmission Lines for Clean Energy, but Oppose Them for AI Data Centers.
Description: Transmission lines carry energy from one point of the electric power system to another. These lines are typically overhead, and they transport large quantities of high-voltage electricity over long distances. Suppose a new transmission line is proposed for your community. If you knew the transmission line was being built to connect [SPLIT A/SPLIT B] to the power grid, would you support or oppose this transmission project being built in your community?
<strong>Split A:</strong> More clean energy — Support: 76%, Oppose: 15%
<strong>Split B:</strong> More AI data centers — Support: 36%, Oppose: 56%
October 9–13, 2026 survey of 1,155 U.S. likely voters.](/pic/orig/media%2FHVUlVhHXUAAx9tO.jpg)
3
18
60
NEW POLL: Our polling has found a strong decline in Americans' participation in social activities since the 1990s.
One reason this social decline could be problematic: Americans with less exposure to different groups of people are less trusting of them.
One reason this social decline could be problematic: Americans with less exposure to different groups of people are less trusting of them.
1
6
27
Overall, a majority of voters say that college sororities and fraternities have a negative impact on campus culture, including a higher percentage of women (60%) than men (47%).
1
1
1
Voters don’t trust college administrations, elected officials, or fraternities and sororities to respond appropriately to sexual assault claims.
1
1
1
NEW POLL: A strong majority of voters think elected officials have done too little to prevent sexual assault.
Women are especially likely to say so: 77% say officials have done too little, compared to 63% of men.
Women are especially likely to say so: 77% say officials have done too little, compared to 63% of men.
1
2
10
Alaska voters are split, 48%-48%, on a measure to repeal the state’s open primaries, ranked-choice voting system, & campaign finance disclosure rules.
The cost of living ranks as the top issue for Alaskans — and voters want to hear more about affordability and less about transgender athletes.
The cost of living ranks as the top issue for Alaskans — and voters want to hear more about affordability and less about transgender athletes.
1
1
1
In the governor’s race, Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins leads against three Republican candidates, with 46% of first-choice votes.
In the final round of ranked-choice voting, Bronson and Taylor are eliminated, and Kreiss-Tomkins leads Bernadette Wilson, 53%-47%.
In the final round of ranked-choice voting, Bronson and Taylor are eliminated, and Kreiss-Tomkins leads Bernadette Wilson, 53%-47%.
1
2
1
In the race for Alaska’s at-large U.S. House seat, Republican Nick Begich leads nonpartisan candidate Bill Hill by six points in the first round (48%-42%).
His lead narrows to 51%-49% once other candidates are eliminated.
His lead narrows to 51%-49% once other candidates are eliminated.
1
3
5
NEW ALASKA POLL: In a ranked-choice voting simulation of Alaska’s Senate race, Democrat Mary Peltola leads Republican Senator Dan Sullivan by three points (47%-44%) in the first round.
After eliminating the non-incumbent Daniel Sullivan and Heikes, Peltola leads 51% to 49%.
After eliminating the non-incumbent Daniel Sullivan and Heikes, Peltola leads 51% to 49%.
1
6
9
NEW with @Insure_Fairly:
Voters overwhelmingly back the right to sue home insurers that deny, delay, or underpay claims (+73 net support) or that cancel coverage or raise rates without warning (+70).
Voters overwhelmingly back the right to sue home insurers that deny, delay, or underpay claims (+73 net support) or that cancel coverage or raise rates without warning (+70).
1
3
5
In all three states, we find strong support for policies that mitigate the potential job losses from AI — including guaranteed jobs and health care.
1
5
6
About 3 in 4 voters in Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio think AI will increase billionaires’ wealth.
But only about 1 in 5 think it will do the same for American workers.
But only about 1 in 5 think it will do the same for American workers.
1
0
2
NEW POLL with @GuardrailsNow:
Voters in Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio say they are less likely to vote for a candidate who takes money from AI companies.
On net, that penalty is larger than the penalty for voting to cut billions from Medicaid.
Voters in Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio say they are less likely to vote for a candidate who takes money from AI companies.
On net, that penalty is larger than the penalty for voting to cut billions from Medicaid.
1
8
11
Voters overwhelmingly agree (76%) on a path to citizenship for immigrants who are authorized to work in the United States for over five years, have been paying taxes, have passed security checks, and who have no criminal record.
1
0
3
Voters also oppose current U.S. immigration enforcement policies:
- 61% oppose ICE arresting immigrants at schools, churches, and hospitals
- 68% agree the U.S. should not deport asylum seekers without hearings
- 60% oppose third-country deportations
- 61% oppose ICE arresting immigrants at schools, churches, and hospitals
- 68% agree the U.S. should not deport asylum seekers without hearings
- 60% oppose third-country deportations
1
1
3
NEW POLL with @RefugeesIntl and @RefugeeAdvcyLab:
Voters across party lines strongly support the U.S. having a refugee program, including 78% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans.
Support rises to 90% among voters who know a refugee.
Voters across party lines strongly support the U.S. having a refugee program, including 78% of Democrats, 66% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans.
Support rises to 90% among voters who know a refugee.
1
8
12
A majority of voters (56%) want the government to invest more in public housing, including a majority of Democrats and Independents.
1
1
2
NEW: We find strong support for the Green New Deal for Public Housing, which would upgrade the U.S. public housing stock to be zero-carbon and energy-efficient.
1
5
12
In 1995, 88% of Americans said that they had entertained others in their home in the past year. In 2026, just 67% of Americans have done so — a 21-point decline.
Church attendance has dropped by 20 points, and picnics and club meetings have dropped by 19 points.
Church attendance has dropped by 20 points, and picnics and club meetings have dropped by 19 points.
1
2
6
Our new polling finds that Americans have significantly reduced their participation in social activities over the last 30 years.
There have been double-digit declines in Americans entertaining people in their homes, going to club meetings, and doing volunteer work since 1995.
There have been double-digit declines in Americans entertaining people in their homes, going to club meetings, and doing volunteer work since 1995.
4
34
87
Our polling finds that voters overwhelmingly support this legislation — including 72% of Democrats, 70% of Independents, and 63% of Republicans.
The leading experts are clear: AI is rapidly escaping our control.
Congress must act NOW.
Today I’m introducing legislation to permanently ban artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI until clear safety rules are in place.
18
31
95
Unfavorable attitudes toward Flock cameras carry across party lines.
After reading a brief description of Flock cameras, voters, including Republicans, have a negative view of the technology.
Those views hold even after reading arguments supporting and opposing the cameras.
After reading a brief description of Flock cameras, voters, including Republicans, have a negative view of the technology.
Those views hold even after reading arguments supporting and opposing the cameras.
1
3
7
NEW: A majority of voters now hold an unfavorable view of Flock cameras.
In August, 41% of voters viewed the technology unfavorably. One month later, 52% are now unfavorable, for a -29-point margin.
In August, 41% of voters viewed the technology unfavorably. One month later, 52% are now unfavorable, for a -29-point margin.
1
3
6
Our polling finds that among self-identified moderates, a majority say billionaires are a sign of a dysfunctional economy.
And while a majority of 2026 swing voters identify as moderate, they’re more interested in raising taxes on the wealthy than conservative cultural stances.
And while a majority of 2026 swing voters identify as moderate, they’re more interested in raising taxes on the wealthy than conservative cultural stances.
1
2
14
This year, multiple members of Congress have led efforts to impeach U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
We find that a plurality of voters support impeaching him for his handling of the Iran War.
We find that a plurality of voters support impeaching him for his handling of the Iran War.
🇺🇸 House recesses early to avoid vote on Hegseth impeachment
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home Wednesday, avoiding a vote on a resolution by Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky to impeach War Secretary Pete Hegseth as well as a bipartisan effort to release d to Jeffrey Epstein.
Johnson claimed “the House has done its job” and said “we’re walking out here with our heads high.”
Massie took control of the House floor and denounced Johnson in an hour-long speech. “Why would we be canceling days when the country is burning?” Massie said. “We should stay here for every day that’s on the calendar and we should debate.”
1
1
10
The Good Energy Jobs Act would require prevailing wage standards, as well as other labor and community benefits, for energy companies that receive federal funding.
It has support from 80% of voters, including 82% of Independents.
It has support from 80% of voters, including 82% of Independents.
Investing in people and workers always pays off. That’s why I introduced the Good Energy Jobs Act this week, a bill that establishes strong labor standards & drives community development.
Proud to be joined by @SenatorHeinrich , @RepNikkiB, and many labor & environmental groups pushing for this bill.
1
2
3
