Democrats lean into Trump as Republicans scramble to distance themselves ahead of midterm elections

From the Newshound archive · first published 16 October 2026.

In ruby red Texas alone, Trump has dropped 27 per cent, swinging from a net positive to a net negative of 21 per cent. Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to seize control of the upper chamber, and Trump's ratings are now boosting their candidates in every key battleground state.

The most dramatic approval declines have hit states Trump won in 2024, turning previously safe Republican territory into competitive races.