SHOCK POLL: Democrats Open Up Stunning 11-Point Lead on Republicans on Generic Congressional Ballot

Photo by Bryan Dozier/NurPhoto via AP

Democrats have opened an 11-point lead over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot in a new national poll, underscoring the party’s growing advantage just over 100 days before voters decide control of Congress.

The latest survey from Emerson College Polling found 53% of likely voters backing the generic Democratic candidate for Congress, compared with 42% for the Republican candidate. The result represents a 3 point increase for Democrats and a 2 point increase for Republicans since Emerson’s June survey, widening the overall gap.

The findings place Democrats well ahead of several other national polling averages, even as most continue to show the party holding a measurable advantage heading into the November midterms.

The Emerson findings are broadly consistent with other recent polling. A Fox News survey released Wednesday found Democrats holding a 7-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, with 53% of voters saying they would back the Democratic candidate in their House district, compared with 46% for the Republican.

Fox reported the margin was the party’s largest in its polling since 1996 and fell just outside the survey’s margin of error.

Other polling averages compiled by Decision Desk HQ currently show Democrats leading Republicans by roughly 4 points nationally.

The new polling lands as both parties intensify their campaigns for control of the House and Senate. Democrats are seeking to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s weak approval ratings and voter concerns over the economy while attempting to reclaim at least one chamber of Congress.

Despite the favorable national polling, the electoral map remains competitive following mid-decade redistricting efforts and closely contested races across several battleground states.

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