Majority of GOP Candidates Ditch Trump Ahead of Midterms, Poll Shows

New poll reveals two-thirds of Republican candidates avoiding Trump as midterms near. Key issues and strategies explored.

Editorial Desk

October 7, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — A new analysis reveals that two-thirds of Republican candidates running for the House and Senate have distanced themselves from former President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections, as his approval rating remains at a career low.

The Reuters study, which reviewed voting records, campaign materials, and public statements across 62 key races, found 41 candidates actively working to create distance from the administration. Rather than openly rejecting Trump’s political ideology, these candidates have focused on specific policy disagreements to appeal to independent voters without fully alienating party loyalists.

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Policy differences emerged in 23 of the 62 contested races, with notable disputes over U.S. military actions in Iran and data center development. Despite Trump’s push for faster construction, three candidates in tight races have opposed or delayed such projects. The move reflects a broader strategy among vulnerable Republicans to avoid direct conflict with the president while navigating a challenging political landscape.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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