May 2026 National Poll: Rubio Rises as 2028 Contender, Buttigieg, Newsom Top Democratic List
- Emerson Polling • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump’s job approval rating stands at 39%, with 55% disapproving, showing little change since last month according to the Emerson College Polling survey.
- In the 2028 Republican primary race, Vice President JD Vance leads with 36% support, closely followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 35%, while Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley each have 5%.
- On the Democratic side, Pete Buttigieg leads with 18% support, followed by Gavin Newsom at 16%, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at 11%, and others trailing behind; 18% of Democratic primary voters remain undecided.
- Democrats hold a nine-point lead over Republicans in the generic midterm congressional ballot, 50% to 41%, but majorities from both parties believe their respective parties are on the wrong track.
- A majority of voters (57%) oppose U.S. military intervention in Cuba this year, with opposition across Hispanic, white, and Black voter groups; the economy remains the top voter concern at 41%.