GOP angst over voter turnout builds as losses pile up

[RandySF]

Republicans are getting crushed in scores of state and local races, raising deep concerns about a deflated base refusing to show up to vote even in the most pro-Trump areas.

Why it matters: The numbers are startling. In race after race, Democrats are outpacing their 2024 performance by double digits, a clear sign of a yawning enthusiasm gap.

By the numbers: Democrats have outperformed former Vice President Harris' 2024 numbers by an average of 10.5 percentage points in the 20 state legislative districts that've held special elections this year.

Democratic candidates outperformed Harris by even more — an average of 13.9 points — in the 67 state House and Senate races last year, according to The Downballot, a site that tracks state-level and congressional campaigns.



https://www.axios.com/2026/02/19/republican-angst-voter-turnout

[UpInArms]

1. I hear they like the color orange

I hope they all enjoy wearing it

[Bluetus]

5. This is more media bullshit

This is not about Republicans not voting. That is part of it. But you can't explain the numbers we are seeing by soft turnout on one side.

Most of the "over-performance" is exactly what it appears to be: People who usually vote for Republicans are still voting but voting AGAINST the Republican because they are really angry.

The media line is pure bullshit, intended to not hurt the tender feelings of any Republicans. "It isn't that people hate what you are doing. It is just that they aren't that excited about voting this time." No. That's a rationalization, but it is not true.

The way the media tells the story, Republicans can conclude. "Maybe the people love what we are doing with ICE, but we just have to be harsher and meaner so the people will be more excited about voting."

[Volaris]

2. Yeah...havin a leopard stuck to your face that way has got to be pretty fucking demoralizing.

Somebody really should have warned them about that....

[pwb]

3. Republicans are voting for Democrats.

But we will never hear that on our shit news.

[leftstreet]

4. Gasp! Maybe they should offer popular policies?

Yeah, yeah, I know...