WATCH: CNN Host Gives Democrats A Sobering Reality Check As Midterm Cycle Nears

CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten recently presented new polling data that illustrates how the trust gap between Democrats and Republicans on key issues, such as the economy, immigration, and crime, is continuing to grow. According to Enten’s analysis, the GOP is beating Democrats by a total of seven percentage points on the economy, 13 points on immigration, and a staggering 22 points on crime.

The segment aired on CNN’s “News Central” program and has sparked discussion concerning the implications of the data for the 2026 midterms. Historically, midterm elections have tended to lean toward the party not in power. But it appears things might be headed in a different direction this time around.

The data Enten highlighted comes from an Ipsos poll that shows Republicans have not only maintained their lead but also increased it on these specific issues since 2022.

The advantage Republicans had on immigration has jumped from three points to 13. However, the most dramatic shift has come from crime data. The GOP previously had a total of 13 points to 22.

Enten, visibly frustrated by the numbers, asked, “What are you doing, Democrats?”

The latest polling data lines up with broader trends observed in political analysis. The GOP is making strategic moves to redraw district lines in states like Missouri, Ohio, and Texas, which could result in the addition of Republican-leaning seats ahead of next year’s midterms.

WATCH:

Combining the redistricting efforts with the ever-growing trust deficits on issues critical to American voters could see a massive uptick in GOP gains in 2026. A Pew Research Center report that was published in June of this year found that 64 percent of Republicans believe that President Donald Trump’s immigration policies will strengthen the economy.

Democrats are, naturally, skeptical.

While it was expected that Democrats would gain at least some ground in the midterms, which has historically been the case when the GOP is in power, the current data pose a challenge to that assumption.