Key Highlights
- Voters in New Jersey and Virginia expressed broad dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s handling of his presidency.
- A majority of voters who turned out for the 2025 governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia disapprove of Trump, with 55% and 56%, respectively, expressing dissatisfaction.
- Neither political party garners strong support from voters; more voters expressed unfavorable than favorable views of both the Democratic and Republican parties.
- Economic concerns and the cost of living were identified as key issues by voters in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City.
Voter Disapproval and Political Climate in 2025 Elections
According to early results from the NBC News Exit Poll conducted on November 4, 2025, voters in key states such as New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City are expressing significant dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. The exit poll reveals a broad sentiment of disapproval among those casting ballots for gubernatorial positions, with majorities in both New Jersey (55%) and Virginia (56%) voicing their discontent.
Disapproval of the President
The dissatisfaction extends beyond just President Trump; it encompasses both political parties. In states like New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City, more voters have unfavorable views of the Democratic Party than favorable ones. While Republican Party views are not as negative overall, they still face significant disapproval.
Economic Concerns
Economic issues and the cost of living topped the list of concerns among voters in each state surveyed. In Virginia and California, economic issues were paramount, with a majority of voters citing them as their top concern. In New Jersey, taxes and the economy were also high on the list of voter concerns.
Financial Worries
Voters across these states reported financial challenges, with most describing their personal financial situations as either holding steady or actively falling behind financially. Only a small minority stated they were getting ahead. Specific issues like property taxes and electricity costs in New Jersey emerged as significant burdens on voters.
Implications for the Second Term
The results of Tuesday night’s elections provide an early, albeit limited, glimpse into how voters feel about Trump’s efforts to reshape Washington and the country. This sentiment is crucial as it sets the stage for future midterm elections in 2026.
Immigration Concerns
In a significant development, voters are divided on Trump’s actions regarding immigration. While a slim majority of New Jersey and Virginia voters believe that the administration’s actions have gone too far, opinions remain split on how state governments should cooperate with federal authorities on this issue.
Conclusion
A Grim National Outlook
The exit poll underscores a grim national outlook among voters. More than half in both New Jersey (65%) and Virginia (63%) expressed anger or dissatisfaction with the direction of the country, highlighting deep-seated concerns that may influence future political dynamics.
The findings from this exit poll offer valuable insights into voter sentiment as we head into pivotal midterm elections next year. The results suggest a challenging environment for President Trump’s re-election bid and could signal broader shifts in American politics in 2026.
