WASHINGTON – As the midterm elections on November 3 approach, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults are expressing growing discontent with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. A recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that many AAPI adults now favor Democrats on crucial issues such as the economy and healthcare.
The survey, carried out from September 8-15, indicates that Trump’s approval ratings among AAPI adults have declined significantly during his second term. Currently, only about one-quarter of AAPI adults approve of his overall job performance, with a mere 20% expressing satisfaction with his handling of the economy—one of the top concerns for this demographic as they head into the elections.
Despite leaning towards the Democratic Party on various issues, opinions about the party itself remain mixed. For instance, Rebecca Larocco, a 45-year-old Korean American from Corning, Iowa, who voted for Trump in 2016, is now uncertain about his economic policies amid rising gas prices due to the ongoing Iran conflict. She noted, “Where I’m at, it’s went up almost $1.50 (a gallon).”
A strong majority of AAPI adults consider the economy a critical issue for the upcoming midterms. The poll found that approximately 90% rate the economy as one of their top concerns, with about 80% similarly focused on the cost of living. Healthcare also ranks high, with around 70% deeming it significant, while other issues like foreign policy and climate change receive less attention.
Trump’s economic approval among AAPI adults has dropped by about 10 percentage points this year, and less than 30% now hold a favorable view of him—a notable decline from 40% shortly after the last election. Karthick Ramakrishnan, the founder and executive director of AAPI Data, stated, “Any gains that he made during the previous election have largely disappeared.”
Len Takahashi, a 57-year-old conservative from Universal City, Texas, who has historically voted for both parties, emphasized the need for policies prioritizing the economy. He expressed his desire for a balanced budget and reduced inflation, stating, “I would like policies that look in the best interest of the American public.”
Currently, Democrats enjoy a significant advantage among AAPI adults regarding trust in handling key issues. A poll from March 2025 showed that AAPI adults were previously divided between the parties on economic and immigration matters, but now Democrats lead by approximately 20 percentage points on both fronts. However, around two-thirds of AAPI adults view the GOP unfavorably, with only about 25% holding a favorable opinion.
Despite the Democrats’ edge, many AAPI adults remain skeptical of the party. Approximately 48% have an unfavorable impression of the Democratic Party, while only 44% view it favorably. Louise Rider, a 40-year-old Democrat from Chicago, noted her disappointment with the party’s governance, suggesting a need for significant change.
Concerns about fair elections are also prevalent among AAPI voters. Many express apprehension about misinformation and voter suppression. About half believe that eligible voters are being denied the right to vote, while two-thirds see foreign interference as a significant problem. As the election nears, half of AAPI adults are “extremely” or “very” concerned about false information regarding candidates and potential legal challenges to election results.
Looking ahead, AAPI adults like Takahashi fear that Trump may manipulate the election narrative if the results do not favor him, potentially amplifying claims of fraud. “He’ll make that a point to distract the American public,” he warned.
Overall, this poll of 1,023 U.S. adults from the AAPI community highlights a shift in political sentiments as the midterm elections draw near, with AAPI voters favoring the Democrats while still grappling with overall dissatisfaction with both major parties.
The poll was conducted with a margin of error of ±4.7 percentage points, reflecting the views of a demographic often overlooked in broader surveys. This report emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and addressing the diverse perspectives within the AAPI community ahead of the crucial midterm elections.
