Pennsylvania voters have become more pessimistic about President Donald Trump, the economy and the direction of the federal government, according to a new statewide survey released by the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College.
The poll, conducted June 8-14 among 546 registered voters, found declining ratings for Trump and growing concerns about personal finances and the nation’s direction compared to the college’s March survey.
Trump’s overall job performance rating has fallen by 10 percentage points since March. Just 29% of respondents said he is doing an excellent or good job as president, while 58% rated his performance as poor. His handling of inflation received particularly negative marks, with 51% assigning him a failing grade and only 17% rating his efforts as excellent or very good.
Economic concerns dominated the survey. Nearly half of voters (47%) said their families are worse off financially than a year ago, the highest level recorded in a Franklin & Marshall poll since August 2024. Only 14% said they are better off financially, while 40% reported no change.
The economy and personal finances ranked as the most important issue facing Pennsylvania, cited by 24% of respondents. Government and politicians followed at 14%, with taxes third at 12%.
Voters also expressed concern about the state’s overall direction. Forty-seven percent said Pennsylvania is on the wrong track, compared to 36% who believe it is headed in the right direction.
The survey found widespread skepticism toward the federal government. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 73%, strongly disagreed with the statement that the federal government has little official corruption, while 62% strongly disagreed that government operations are open and transparent.
The findings could present challenges for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections. On a generic congressional ballot, Democrats held a 47% to 35% advantage over Republicans, a larger margin than recorded in March.
Meanwhile, Gov. Josh Shapiro continued to post favorable numbers. The Democratic governor led Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity by 50% to 28% in a hypothetical 2026 gubernatorial matchup. Shapiro’s job performance rating stood at 48% excellent or good.
The poll also found strong support for several state policy issues, including regulating and taxing skill games, limiting student cellphone access during the school day, and creating an independent commission to draw legislative districts.
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.1 percentage points.
Source: politicspa