Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Republicans Distance Themselves From Trump Before Midterm Elections
Some Republican candidates are trying to look less connected to President Donald Trump before the midterm elections.
They worry that voters are unhappy about expensive living costs, high fuel prices, and the war with Iran.
Trump has asked voters to treat the election as if he were on the ballot.
However, his approval rating has fallen to 32 percent.
Only 17 percent of Americans approve of how he is handling the cost-of-living crisis.
Some Republicans have criticized his immigration policies or called for the Iran war to end.
Experts say distancing themselves could help candidates with some voters.
But it could also anger Trump’s strongest supporters without attracting enough independent voters.
Polls currently show Democrats leading nationally.
Republican candidates in competitive races are increasingly separating themselves from Donald Trump.
Elvira Salazar, Ashley Hinson, and Young Kim have criticized or removed references to Trump and his policies.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 32 percent, according to a Reuters-Ipsos survey.
Only 17 percent approve of his handling of the cost-of-living crisis, while 34 percent approve of the Iran war.
Democrats lead Republicans in every listed midterm poll, with margins ranging from six to 14 points.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Republican candidates, Democrats, and American voters are central to the story.
- What
- Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump as his approval ratings fall and Democrats lead in midterm polling.
- When
- As the US midterm elections approach; the cited polls were conducted between September 8 and September 21.
- Where
- The United States, including competitive races in Florida, Iowa, and California.
- Why
- Candidates are responding to dissatisfaction over the cost-of-living crisis, high energy prices, immigration policies, and the ongoing war with Iran.
Republicans Seeking Distance
Trump and His Core Alignment
Campaign association
Republicans Seeking Distance
Candidates in tight races are reducing references to Trump or criticizing parts of his agenda because they see him as a political liability.
Trump and His Core Alignment
Trump says the midterm elections are effectively a vote on him and urges voters to act as though he is on the ballot.
War with Iran
Republicans Seeking Distance
Ashley Hinson called for an immediate end to the war and highlighted the burden of higher energy costs.
Trump and His Core Alignment
Trump continues to reject calls for an immediate end to the war with Iran.
Political risk
Republicans Seeking Distance
Candidates may believe distancing themselves could appeal to voters concerned about prices, immigration, and the war.
Trump and His Core Alignment
Analysts warn that breaking with Trump could alienate the MAGA base while failing to win over independents who oppose Republican policies.
- Trump approval rating
- 32 percent, described as an all-time low.
- Approval of economic handling
- 17 percent approve of Trump’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.
- Approval of Iran war
- 34 percent approve of the war with Iran.
- Republican dissatisfaction
- 51 percent of Republicans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.
- Midterm polling
- Democrats lead in every listed poll, by six to 14 percentage points.
- Candidates cited
- Elvira Salazar, Ashley Hinson, and Young Kim have criticized or removed associations with Trump.
- Potential Republican strategy
- Republicans are counting on redistricting, restricting mail-in voting, and seeking federal control of elections.