GOP insiders send panic texts as Republican pollsters warn safe seats now 'underwater' with 40 days to midterms

From the Newshound archive · first published 26 September 2026.

Republican pollsters are privately warning Iowa House members that districts once thought safe by 15 points have tightened to within the margin of error, with others already slipping underwater — all as early voting is set to begin across much of the country. Journalist Mark Halperin says his phone has been flooded with alarmed texts from Republican operatives and party insiders, all painting the same bleak picture. Trump's approval ratings have collapsed among young men, women, Hispanics and independents, driven by an unpopular Iran war and climbing fuel prices. Halperin warns that the 'wheels are coming off' the White House with just 40 days until Election Day.

Iowa Republican pollsters told state House members this week that even +15 districts are now 'within the margin of error.'

A taxpayer-funded political TV ad, a rumoured Alabama campaign trip and a diesel export ban are among the self-inflicted wounds cited.