AAPI Poll: Democrats Gain Ground as Trump Trust Falls

The aapi poll released Monday carries a warning for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults have grown more disillusioned with the president as the Nov. 3 midterm elections approach, handing Democrats a substantial edge on the issues voters rank highest.

Democrats Trusted More, but Views of the Party Split

Although AAPI adults trust Democrats more than Republicans on a wide range of issues, the poll shows their view of the Democratic Party itself is still split. The results point to an electorate that is shifting away from the GOP without fully committing to the opposition — a fluid bloc both parties are still chasing with just over two weeks until Election Day.

The findings land as AAPI voters continue to grow as an electoral force: the community made up significant shares of the eligible electorate in key battleground states in 2024, including about 12% in Nevada and more than 4% in Arizona and Georgia.

Economy and Gas Prices Drive the Discontent

Cost of living remains the dominant concern across AAPI communities, consistent with the pattern seen in national polling. Rebecca Larocco, a 45-year-old Korean American in Corning, Iowa, who voted for Trump in 2016, said she approves of his immigration policies but is unsure about his handling of the economy as gas prices climb.

“Where I’m at, it’s went up almost $1.50,” she said of the price per gallon, adding that she hadn’t expected the country to enter a war and was hoping the administration would “get our economy back on track.”

*Source: The Washington Post*