In the first major elections of President Donald Trump’s second term, the anti-Trump vote has demonstrated remarkable strength, with voters in key states like Virginia and New Jersey expressing robust opposition to his presidency. Recent polls and election results reveal that the gap between those voting against Trump and those supporting him is the widest in nearly two decades, signaling a highly motivated opposition movement that could shape future political contests.
The 2025 off-year elections, held on November 4, served as an early electoral test for Trump’s administration, focusing on gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, among others. Exit polls and pre-election surveys indicated deep dissatisfaction with Trump’s job performance and the country’s direction, particularly concerning economic issues such as the cost of living and federal government cuts. Voters turned out in significant numbers to voice their discontent, making these races a barometer for national sentiment.
A CNN poll conducted ahead of the elections found that 41% of registered voters intended their vote to oppose Trump, while only 21% said it was to support him, creating a 20-point gap. This disparity is the largest since 2006, during George W. Bush’s presidency, and exceeds margins seen in Trump’s first midterm in 2018. The data highlights the persistence of anti-Trump sentiment despite his re-election in 2024, suggesting that opposition remains a powerful force in American politics.
Exit polls from NBC News corroborated these findings, showing that 55% of voters in New Jersey and 56% in Virginia disapprove of Trump’s job performance. Economic concerns were paramount, with majorities in both states citing the economy or cost of living as the most important issues. Additionally, voters expressed unfavorable views of both major political parties, indicating broader discontent that transcends typical partisan divides and reflects widespread anxiety about the nation’s trajectory.
In Virginia, the anti-Trump vote gap expanded from 17 points in 2017 to 22 points in 2025, according to CNN’s exit polls. Similarly, in New Jersey, the gap grew from 17 points to 28 points, with three times as many voters opposing Trump as supporting him. These increases occurred in states that, while leaning Democratic, have been targeted by Trump and his allies as potential swing areas, underscoring the depth of voter resistance to his policies and leadership style.
The electoral outcomes reflected this anti-Trump sentiment, with Democrats securing key victories. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Winsome Earle-Sears to become the state’s first female governor, winning support from moderates, independents, and voters dissatisfied with both parties. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill beat Jack Ciattarelli, capitalizing on strong opposition to Trump and concerns about the state’s economy, including issues like property taxes and electricity costs.
These results suggest that the anti-Trump movement remains highly engaged and could influence the 2026 midterm elections. The lack of enthusiasm among Trump’s base, as indicated by the low percentage of pro-Trump voters, may pose challenges for Republicans moving forward. The elections highlight ongoing political polarization and the potential for voter opposition to dictate the pace and direction of Trump’s second-term agenda, with implications for governance and electoral strategies nationwide.
