America’s Democracy Is Being Redrawn
As redistricting battles escalate, Republicans trail in the polls while Musk’s America Party enters the picture
New polling from Canadian pollster Leger suggests Americans are still focused on the economy, while Republicans are struggling in generic ballot polling against their Democratic rivals.
The poll found that 28% of Americans still say inflation is the single biggest issue facing the country today, which is unsurprising given that Trump continues to receive poor marks from the public on this very issue. Inflation is the top issue for 28% of Republicans and Independents, and 27% of Democrats.
The next most important issue trails 20 points behind, with poverty being a concern among 8% of Americans. Given the slowing economy and stubborn inflation, concerns about poverty among nearly one in ten Americans are not exactly surprising.
Likewise, healthcare and immigration each sit at 7%, with housing affordability being the top issue for 6% of Americans.
All things considered, Republicans are failing to address the very issues that voters elected them to handle. As such, they are falling behind in the generic ballot polling.
Now, the caveat with Leger’s poll is that it asks who Americans would vote for in the 2028 presidential election, rather than the 2026 midterm election. Though, quite frankly, a presidential generic ballot and a midterm generic ballot question this far out are not likely to produce different results.
With that said, 49% of Americans say they would vote for the Democratic candidate, while 45% would still support the Republican. The younger the voter, the more likely they are to vote Democrat, with 56% of those under 34 saying so. Those over 55 are more likely to vote Republican, at 52%.
The poll also included a generic ballot question with Elon Musk’s hypothetical "America Party." With that party added, the Democratic lead over the Republicans increases slightly, putting the two parties at 45% and 40%, respectively.
The America Party would capture 9% of the vote according to this poll, with one in five independent voters saying they would support the party. Interestingly, the America Party takes an equal share of Republican and Democratic voters, at 5% and 6% respectively.
The party also has greater appeal among younger voters, with 11% of 18 to 34-year-olds and 12% of 35 to 54-year-olds saying they would vote for the new party. Older Americans were less likely to support the America Party, at only 6%.
Now, a quick House model breakdown based on that original generic ballot for paying subscribers, as well as a look at the current situation unfolding in Texas.