NBC poll: GOP leads on immigration, economy, corruption ahead of midterms

Voters give Republicans an edge over Democrats on handling immigration, the economy, and government corruption heading into the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to a recent NBC News poll.

The survey, conducted Oct. 28–30, found Republicans leading Democrats by 11 percentage points on immigration, two points on the economy, and five points on government corruption when respondents were asked which party would do a better job handling each issue. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Republicans also had a higher favorability rating, with 38% viewing the party favorably, compared with 29% for Democrats, according to NBC’s polling graphics. Unfavorable views were more common for both parties, at 50% for Republicans and 52% for Democrats.

The broader fight for House control has shown signs of favoring Democrats. Cook Political Report moved 19 House races toward Democrats Oct. 23 and rated 219 seats as at least leaning Democratic, with 17 toss-ups, as Zeale News previously reported.

Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats and three House seats to secure majorities. Their path to a Senate majority requires victories in multiple states Trump carried in 2024, including some he won by double-digit margins, according to NBC News. 

The poll follows an October campaign push by President Donald Trump in states including Texas, Ohio, Alaska, and Georgia, where he urged support for Republican candidates while highlighting his administration’s record on immigration, inflation, and job creation.

In Texas, Trump campaigned last month for Republican Senate nominee and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. An earlier New York Times/Siena University poll had shown Democrat James Talarico leading Paxton 51% to 45% among likely voters, as Zeale News previously reported.

At the Texas rally, Trump emphasized preserving his administration’s border policies and expanding oil and natural gas production, urging voters to maintain Republican control of Congress to advance his agenda.

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