Fewer California Republicans approve of Trump, poll says. That could hurt GOP midterm chances

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.

Set us as preferred With gas prices topping $6 a gallon and an unpopular war continuing in Iran, President Trump’s approval has slipped with California Republicans — a falloff that could diminish the party’s chances in the state’s few competitive congressional races.A new poll by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by The Times, found that 76% of Republican voters in the state approve of the president’s performance, down from 83% last year.The president’s approval has softened even among those who still support his performance.Only 44% of Republicans in California said they strongly support Trump’s performance, down from 57% who said the same in August 2025.That could translate into lower Republican turnout in the state’s few competitive races, said the poll’s director, Mark DiCamillo.“Republicans are losing some of their enthusiasm in terms of being motivated to vote,” he said.In addition, the more Trump tries to make the midterm elections about himself — such as the pro-Trump ads recently sponsored and paid for by the government — the more Democrats might be inclined to show up, said G.

Cristina Mora, the UC Berkeley institute’s co-director.“That might actually have a galvanizing effect on voters,” she said.California Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are competing in the race for California governor.

Here’s what you need to know about the candidates.Trump’s sinking support in California mirrors a national decline in the president’s approval, even among Republicans.The congressional map in the state was already challenging for Republicans after voters last year approved a referendum championed by Gov.Gavin Newsom to redraw districts to be more favorable for Democrats — a response to similar efforts by Republicans in Texas and other state...