A new NBC News and Telemundo poll released in late September finds Latino voters expressing strong preference for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, with 59% favoring Democratic control of Congress compared to 35% for Republicans. The survey of 800 registered Latino voters conducted from September 21-28 shows a 12-point lead for Democrats among this demographic, reversing some Republican gains from prior cycles.
Trump’s policies face broad disapproval among Latino voters, with 69% disapproving of his performance as president and only 27% approving. The poll highlights key concerns, including 75% of respondents stating Trump has mishandled the economy and cost of living, while 66% say his deportation policies have gone too far. The survey, which carries a 3.5% margin of error, was conducted via phone interviews and online text message surveys.
The findings underscore shifting political dynamics among Latino voters, a group that has shown increased engagement with Republicans in recent years but appears to be reconsidering that support. Polling data from 2016 and 2018 showed Latino support for a Republican-controlled Congress at just 21% and 26%, respectively, indicating a significant shift over the past decade.
Economic concerns dominate voter priorities, with most respondents citing rising prices as a central issue. The poll suggests that dissatisfaction with inflation and economic policies may be driving Latino voters away from Republican candidates, despite some gains made by the GOP in recent elections. The data also reflects broader trends in voter turnout, with Republicans less likely to express certainty about voting compared to Democrats.
The survey results come as Democrats maintain a narrow edge in national vote preference and House control projections. While the poll focuses on Latino voters, it aligns with broader concerns about economic conditions and policy performance that are influencing midterm election dynamics across demographics.