Enthusiasm gap adding to GOP woes in midterms
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There's an enthusiasm gap for the upcoming election, according to a new survey of likely voters released Thursday.
Why it matters: Higher enthusiasm among Democrats could translate to higher turnout in an election year when the outlook for the GOP is already not great.
- Hoosier voters are making important decisions about Indiana's next secretary of state, congressional representatives, school referendums and more.
Driving the news: The survey from Free Press Indiana (FPI) found 58% of likely Hoosier voters who identified as Democrats are more excited to vote compared to previous elections.
- That was true for just 34% of Republicans and 24% of independents.
- The results come from 839 likely voters who voted in at least one general election from 2018 to 2024 or who registered since 2024 and were surveyed last week.
The big picture: The unfavorable election picture for Republicans starts at the top.
- Last month, President Trump's disapproval rating nationwide hit 60.4%, the worst mark of his two terms in office.
- In the FPI survey, of which nearly half of voters said they're either Republican or lean that way, 54% of respondents disapprove of the job Trump is doing, while 44% approve.
- Respondents said their biggest concern is government corruption (24%), followed by inflation and the cost of living (20%).
Zoom in: Gov. Mike Braun's approval rating is also underwater, according to the survey.
- 48% disapprove of the job he's doing, while 38% approve.
- 47% think the state is headed in the wrong direction, while 35% say it's on the right track.
Braun's office did not respond to Axios' request for comment on the survey results.
What's next: Early voting is underway. Election Day is Nov. 3.