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Recent Democratic election wins have fueled optimism that the party could reclaim one or even both chambers of the U.S. Congress in next year’s midterm elections. However, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that this confidence may be premature, particularly due to Republicans’ strong advantage among older voters, who traditionally turn out in higher numbers during non-presidential election years.
According to the poll, 46% of voters aged 50 and older say they plan to support Republican congressional candidates, compared with 38% backing Democrats, an eight-point gap. This marks a notable shift from prior midterm cycles. Ahead of the 2022 midterms, Republicans held only a one-point edge among older voters, and in 2018 Democrats actually led this group before winning control of the House. Since voters over 50 typically make up a larger share of the midterm electorate, this trend poses a significant challenge for Democrats.
Democrats continue to perform well among younger voters, holding an 11-point lead on the generic congressional ballot among voters under 50. Yet younger voters are historically less consistent participants in midterm elections. The poll found that 60% of voters aged 50 and above strongly agree they would regret not voting next year, compared with just 40% of younger voters expressing the same sentiment. Overall, the electorate remains sharply divided, with 40% favoring Democrats and 39% Republicans.
Recent Democratic successes, including Eileen Higgins’ historic mayoral win in Miami and gubernatorial victories by Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, were driven largely by concerns over the economy, affordability, and President Donald Trump’s unpopularity. However, the poll indicates that cost-of-living issues resonate less with older voters, who are more likely to prioritize immigration, election integrity, and democratic norms.
Political strategists argue that Democrats do not need a complete messaging overhaul but must better tailor their economic narrative to older Americans. By expanding their focus beyond affordability and job creation to include long-term financial security, wealth-building, and economic stability across all age groups, Democrats may improve their chances of mobilizing a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming midterm elections.
