The Reuters/Ipsos poll finds voters aged 50 and older now favor Republicans 46% to 38%, reversing earlier Democratic advantages. Younger voters (18–49) still lean Democratic, 42% to 31%, but that margin has narrowed since 2022. Because older Americans make up a large share of midterm voters, their shift toward the GOP could shape control of Congress in 2026. The online survey of 3,521 registered voters was conducted Dec. 3–8 and has a ±2 point margin of error.
Poll: Voters 50+ Shift Toward Republicans Ahead Of 2026 Midterms
Less than a year before the 2026 midterm elections, a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows U.S. voters aged 50 and older are moving toward the Republican Party — a shift that could influence control of Congress given older voters’ strong midterm turnout.
Key Findings
Party Preferences: Among registered voters 50 and older, 46% now say they support GOP candidates while 38% back Democrats. By comparison, that same age group favored Democrats 43% to 42% in 2022 and 40% to 38% in 2018.
Younger Voters: Voters ages 18–49 still lean Democratic, 42% to 31% for Republicans, but the Democratic margin has narrowed since 2022 (48% vs. 30%).
Turnout Implications: Older voters historically make up a disproportionate share of midterm electorates. Pew Research Center data indicate voters 50 and older comprised 64% of the 2022 midterm electorate, and a large share of GOP voters tend to be in that age bracket.
What Voters Say Matters
Issue priorities differ by age: among voters 50 and older, 38% named the cost of living as their top concern, 27% cited democratic values, 19% listed immigration and 7% cited crime. Among 18–49-year-olds, just over half said cost of living was the most important issue, just over 20% prioritized democratic values, 12% named immigration and 5% cited crime.
Congressional Math: Republicans currently hold a 220–213 edge in the House and a 53–47 lead in the Senate. To regain control, Democrats would need to flip three House seats and four Senate seats.
Poll Details: The Reuters/Ipsos online survey was conducted Dec. 3–8 with 3,521 registered voters and has a margin of error of ±2 percentage points.
Bottom line: A notable tilt among voters 50 and older toward the GOP, combined with their higher midterm turnout, gives Republicans a potential structural advantage heading into 2026 unless Democratic appeals on key issues — notably the cost of living — regain momentum.
