GOP Senate Candidates Lag Behind Democrats in Favorability, New Poll Shows

A Fox News poll released last week measured personal image ratings among registered voters in the eight Senate races most likely to decide control of the chamber. Across those contests, Democratic nominees posted an average net-positive rating of +8 points, while Republican nominees averaged -5 points. The poll asked respondents whether they viewed each candidate favorably or unfavorably and calculated the net difference.

CNN

Michigan stands out as the sole race where the Democratic nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, trails his Republican opponent. The poll recorded El-Sayed at 42 % favorable and 55 % unfavorable, a -13-point net rating, matching the unfavorable margins of several GOP incumbents. In contrast, Republican candidates in most other states enjoy positive net ratings.

CNN

• Maine: Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is -12 points, while Democrat Susan Collins also sits at -12 points, mirroring El-Sayed’s gap.

CNN

• Texas: GOP Ken Paxton again at -12 points versus Democrat James Talarico at +5 points, an -17-point gap.

CNN

• Georgia and Iowa: Democratic nominees Jon Ossoff and Josh Turek each hold net-positive ratings of +20 points or more, while their GOP opponents register middling scores.

CNN

• North Carolina: Democrat Roy Cooper is +14 points; Republican Michael Whatley is -1 point, a 15-point gap.

CNN

• Ohio: Democrat Sherrod Brown is +4 points; GOP Jon Husted is -5 points, a 9-point gap.

CNN

• Alaska: Democrat Mary Peltola is +9 points; GOP Dan Sullivan is +1 point, an 8-point gap.

CNN

Even within Michigan, the Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers registers a -6-point net rating, slightly better than El-Sayed but still unfavorable.

CNN

Analysts note that voter frustration with former President Donald Trump may be depressing Republican favorability, especially for candidates perceived as aligned with him, such as Collins. Nonetheless, the Democratic Party’s overall low popularity does not prevent many of its nominees from maintaining positive images, suggesting effective candidate recruitment and primary vetting in races like those of Josh Turek and James Talarico.

CNN

After securing the Democratic nomination, El-Sayed addressed reporters in Detroit on August 5. His unpopularity in the poll raises questions about the Democratic Party’s chances of securing a Senate majority, as the map leaves few safe seats for either party.

CNN