Story perspectives

Poll Shows Democrats Leading 51%-43% in New York Times/Siena

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 4:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Democrats lead the ballot with 51% to Republicans' 43% in a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,503 voters.
Voters cite high living costs, inflation and the Iran war for the Democratic edge.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating is 38% among likely voters, the lowest for a sitting president before a midterm.
The Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to enforce new mail-in voting rules, keeping state procedures unchanged.

History

Historical Context

On November 8, 1994, Newt Gingrich led the Republican Party to win both the House and Senate, the first simultaneous control in 40 years. The victory occurred during Bill Clinton’s first term, alongside George W. Bush’s election as Texas governor, signaling a midterm realignment that reshaped expectations for future congressional contests.

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Story summary

Democrats lead the ballot with 51% to Republicans' 43% in a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,503 voters.
Voters cite high living costs, inflation and the Iran war for the Democratic edge.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating is 38% among likely voters, the lowest for a sitting president before a midterm.
The Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s request to enforce new mail-in voting rules, keeping state procedures unchanged.

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