Among independent voters in the PBS News/NPR/Marist October 2026 poll, 44% characterized their midterm congressional vote as a vote against President Donald Trump, while 12% said it was a vote for him

Federal and state elections held midway through a presidential term, deciding control of Congress and many governorships. Turnout falls well below presidential years and the president's party usually loses ground, which makes them a standing referendum on the sitting administration.