Early results from the NBC News Exit Poll suggest that Tuesday's midterm elections have become a referendum on Donald Trump, and on his handling of the economy in particular.
Forty-three per cent of voters said one reason for their vote was to express opposition to the president, a far larger share than in the 2018 midterms. Only 38 per cent approved of his performance in office, down from 45 per cent at the same point in his first term. Majorities of voters in the Senate races in Georgia, Ohio, Michigan and Texas disapproved of the job he is doing.
The cost of living
The economy was the top issue, cited by 39 per cent of voters, ahead of the state of democracy at 32 per cent. Three-quarters said the economy was in poor shape; in 2018, 68 per cent had described it as good.
Voters placed much of the blame on the White House. Sixty-five per cent said Mr Trump's policies had made the economy worse, and 62 per cent held him responsible for high prices. Forty-four per cent said their finances were worse than two years ago; only 18 per cent said they were better off. Just under eight in ten said inflation was causing hardship for their families.
Concern about prices was almost universal. Eighty-eight per cent were worried about the cost of food, 87 per cent about petrol and diesel, 86 per cent about utility bills and 85 per cent about health care. Petrol averaged $4.17 a gallon nationally on Monday, according to AAA, up from $3.04 a year earlier.
Neither party loved
Neither party emerged with much affection. Forty-six per cent viewed the Democratic Party favourably and 54 per cent unfavourably; for the Republicans the figures were 41 and 59 per cent. Almost one voter in five viewed neither party favourably.
Democrats were trusted more on the economy, foreign policy, health care and government corruption. Republicans led on immigration. Voters were split on taxes and artificial intelligence.
There were signs of movement among Latino voters, who swung sharply towards Mr Trump in 2024. Forty-three per cent identified as Democrats, up from 39 per cent two years ago, while Republican identification fell from 29 to 27 per cent.
Exit polls are early estimates and are adjusted as votes are counted. The first polls close at midnight GMT.
