---
title: "Marist Poll Gives Democrats 8-Point Midterm Edge"
url: https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/27/marist-poll-democrats-8-point-edge-midterms/
date: 2026-10-27T09:29:53-04:00
modified: 2026-10-27T09:29:53-04:00
author: "HERE City National Desk"
categories: ["National", "Politics"]
site: "HERE Washington DC"
attribution: "HERE Washington DC"
---

# Marist Poll Gives Democrats 8-Point Midterm Edge

*Source: [HERE Washington DC](https://www.herewashingtondc.com/2026/10/27/marist-poll-democrats-8-point-edge-midterms/) — October 27, 2026 by HERE City National Desk*

*From the HERE City National Desk*

WASHINGTON — With the midterm elections a week away, Democrats hold a clear national advantage in the race for Congress, though a new Marist Poll also points to limits on how big their gains may be.

Among likely voters, 52% said they favor the Democratic candidate for Congress in their district and 44% back the Republican, an 8-point gap. The Democratic lead widens to 10 points among all registered voters, down from 12 in September.

Independents who plan to vote lean heavily toward Democrats, 52% to 39%. And a slim majority of likely voters, 51%, expect the Democrat in their own district to win.

President Donald Trump remains the central factor. Only 40% of likely voters approve of his job performance and 59% disapprove, while among registered voters his approval sits at 38%. A record-tying 53% strongly disapprove. Asked about their House vote, 44% of likely voters called it mainly a vote against the president, compared with 21% who said it was mainly a vote for him.

The survey is the first this cycle to screen for likely voters, and that group was slightly friendlier to the president and a bit less eager for Democratic control than registered voters overall, within the margin of error.

Pocketbook worries run deep. A third of respondents reported financial hardship over the past year, and 4 in 10 said their finances have gotten worse. Enthusiasm is high on both sides, with 91% of Democrats and 86% of Republicans eager to vote.

Marist surveyed 1,289 registered voters across Oct. 19-20. The margin of error is 3.7 points for registered voters and 3.8 points for likely voters.