A new poll has shown that Republicans have a slight advantage leading up to the midterm elections this year, even among those more closely aligned with Democratic Party.
According to a Marist and NPR poll, 52% of Latino voters voted for a Republican when asked which party they were most likely to vote in their district. 39% voted for a Democrat. Among voters younger than 45 years old, 50% said they would vote for a Republican and 40% said they planned to vote for a Democrat.
Latinos have always preferred to vote for Democrats. However, recent data shows that the party has been losing ground over the past few years. Historically, younger voters have tended to vote for Democrats. 55% of those between 30 and 49 supported President Biden in 2020. 59% of those 18-29 voted for Biden.
Independent voters are also more likely to vote for Republicans than Democrats, with 45% saying that they would vote in favor of a Republican and 38% saying that they would support a Democrat.
Both groups could help the GOP win in 2022. 47% of voters indicated they would vote for a Republican candidate, compared with 44% who indicated they would support a Democrat.
The generic congressional ballot has historically shown that Democrats outperform Republicans. This is the first time that the GOP has led this poll since 2014, when they gained control of the Senate and the House. Democrats could be in trouble if they have a lead of only a few points, as they trail by just three points six months prior to the elections.
The President Biden’s approval rating is also low. 41% of voters say they approve of his job performance, compared with 51% who disapprove. 37% of those who disapprove strongly disapprove Biden’s performance.
Voters are increasingly turning to Republicans because of economic issues. 42% believe that the GOP would do better with the economy than 26% who think Democrats are better equipped. Inflation is another area where voters favor Republicans. 41% said they trust the GOP to manage it better than 20%.
The Republicans are also ahead in handling national security, crime, and gun rights.
