As the November 3 midterm elections approach, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults are expressing growing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, according to a recent poll conducted in September by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey indicates that AAPI voters currently place greater trust in Democrats on key issues including the economy and health care.
The poll shows a marked decline in approval of Trump’s economic performance among AAPI adults, with only about 20% approving of his handling of the economy—a significant drop compared to previous years. In contrast, roughly 90% of respondents ranked the economy as one of the most important issues for this election cycle, alongside concerns about the cost of living and healthcare, which were also prioritized by about 80% and 70% respectively.
Though Democrats hold substantial advantages over Republicans in perceived competence on economic and immigration issues—now by approximately 20 percentage points—AAPI adults remain divided in their overall views of the Democratic Party. Nearly half of respondents expressed unfavorable opinions of the party, while 44% viewed it favorably.
Individual perspectives within the community underscore this complex dynamic. Rebecca Larocco, a 45-year-old Korean American from Corning, Iowa, who supported Trump in 2016, remains somewhat uncertain ahead of the midterms. She favors Trump’s immigration policies but is concerned about rising gas prices exacerbated by ongoing conflict in Iran and the wider economic impact. “I’m just hoping they’ll do what they’re saying and get our economy back on track,” she said.
Similarly, 57-year-old Japanese American Len Takahashi of Universal City, Texas, describes himself as conservative yet votes across party lines depending on the candidate’s stance on the economy. He stresses the importance of balanced fiscal policies and reducing inflation while hoping for a less polarized political climate.
Among Republicans, some continue to support Trump despite reservations. James Finley, 74, of Lenox, Massachusetts, acknowledged the challenges of lowering prices quickly and expressed moderate criticism of GOP leadership’s effectiveness in legislative achievements but remains aligned with the party partly out of opposition to Democrats.
The poll also highlights significant concerns among AAPI voters regarding the integrity of the electoral process. About half of respondents consider voter suppression a major problem, while nearly two-thirds see foreign interference in U.S. elections as a serious issue. Many are worried about misinformation and potential legal challenges following the vote. Takahashi voiced apprehension over Trump potentially amplifying fraud claims if midterm outcomes are unfavorable to Republicans.
Overall, the survey reflects a community weighing economic challenges and political distrust as it navigates a complex and highly contested midterm election season.