Voters Rate U.S. Senators as Approval Gaps Widen Ahead of Midterm Year
As midterm elections approach, a new nationwide survey illustrates how Americans feel about their senators. The closing months of 2025 poll reflect trusted and unsatisfied MPs.
Morning Consult surveyed all 50 states’ voters. Do participants approve or disapprove of their senators’ Washington work? The results reflect sharp public opinion divides and escalating political tensions.
Sanders was the most popular senator in the nation, according to data. Sanders leads with 68 percent approval and 29 percent disapproval in Q4 2025. In a time when many Americans criticize government leadership, his popularity stood out.
Sanders was followed by 66%-approved Vermont Senator Peter Welch. Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren and Hawaii senator Brian Schatz both scored 60%. These findings show that voters in certain states trust senators who are open to public issues and consistent on policy.
Poll: Senate approval was consistent across all major parties. Jack Reed, Ed Markey, John Barrasso, and Mazie Hirono had high 50s approval ratings. This implies that performance and public perception, not political party, influence voter support.
Survey results showed mixed but stable views of New Jersey senators. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim received 52% and 48% approval. A divided but engaged voter base trusted nearly half of senators.
Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Senate Minority Leader, was most unpopular nationally. Only 27% appreciated his performance, while 63% didn’t. Voter displeasure during political stress made him the least popular senator in the research.
Several senators were rated poorly. Maine Senator Susan Collins, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson, and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski all disapproved more. These findings show incumbents struggle when voters evaluate legislative records and party leadership.
Survey timing matters. As midterm elections approach, Senate control is tight. Since Republicans have a 53-seat advantage, several races should be tight. Analysts predict four Senate seats are up for grabs in 2026, upping the stakes for both parties.
Recently released national surveys suggest Democrats hold a slight generic ballot advantage. In another CNN survey, Democrats led Republicans by five points in support of quick elections. Motivated voters gained that advantage.
These polls highlight how public opinion affects politicians before midterms. Approval ratings do not guarantee election outcomes, but they indicate voter attitude when every seat could change Washington power.
As elections begin, MPs with high approval numbers may take these results as vindication, while those with strong dissatisfaction may struggle to reelect. The poll shows voters how their views mirror the public as the next election approaches.
Sources:
Morning Consult
CNN
Cook Political Report
