Democratic candidates hold a 53%–41% edge on the national congressional ballot among registered voters, a 12-point margin, according to a NPR/PBS News/Marist survey of 1,280 people conducted Sept. 14–15. Marist's previous reading, taken in May, showed a 10-point Democratic advantage, so the gap has stretched by about two points since then.
With Election Day, Nov. 3, less than six weeks away, the numbers also show how much of the midterm conversation revolves around the White House. Some 45% of voters describe their congressional choice as mainly an act of opposition to Donald Trump, while 24% say it is mainly an act of support. Trump's approval stands at 39%, and 53% of respondents strongly disapprove of his performance.
