Independents prefer Democrats for congressional control by 12-point margin: Survey

The Hill reports that independents favor Democrats controlling Congress after November by a 12-point margin, citing an NBC News poll showing 46 percent of independent voters prefer Democratic control versus 34 percent for Republicans; overall, 49 percent of registered voters favor Democratic congressional control. The reporting is straightforward and sourced to a named pollster (NBC News), though The Hill's description provides limited detail about poll methodology, sample size, or margin of error visible in the metadata provided. Independent search results corroborate the NBC News poll figures showing a 49-44 percent Democratic advantage on the generic congressional ballot, with Trump's declining approval ratings cited as context; multiple outlets (NBC News, The Center Square, Emerson College) report similar findings of Democratic leads ranging from 5 to 10 points. Readers should monitor final polling closer to the November 2026 midterms, as historical volatility in independent voter preferences and potential shifts in Trump's political standing could alter these trajectory measures.