What is Trump’s approval rating in NH? St. Anselm poll finds Democratic gains

After early gains, President Donald Trump’s favorability has fallen back down, a new poll from St. Anselm reveals.

While his favorability had climbed to 45% favorable, 53% unfavorable after the inauguration, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics poll released Sept. 5 found that it had reverted to 43%-57%, which is in line with historical levels.

“President Donald Trump’s post-election bump has dissipated, setting up early leads for Democratic candidates in the upcoming federal office races,” said Neil Levesque, the Executive Director of the NHIOP, in a statement.

The declining favorability for Trump is contrasted by a rising favorability for Democrats: on the general ballot in New Hampshire, the poll found that they lead by six points (50%-44%). It’s a “significant improvement” since March, said the poll, when the party held a lead over Republicans of just one point (47%-46%). Driven by Democrats, “elections and democracy” has surpassed the economy as voters’ top concern.

The poll also took an early look at the 2028 presidential race, New Hampshire federal races and Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s favorability. It surveyed 1,776 New Hampshire registered voters through online surveys from August 26-27 and has a margin of error of 2.3%.

Newsom and Buttigieg lead early 2028 presidential race

Potential presidential candidates, like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, have already been stopping by New Hampshire to test the waters for a 2028 run.

If the 2028 presidential election was held today, the poll found that former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom lead a field of potential candidates, each garnering the support of23% of Democratic voters. Trailing are Ptritzker (9%), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY,(7%) and former Vice President Kamala Harris (6%).

“Buttigieg looks to build on his strong showing in the last primary, while Newsom has been successful thus far in introducing himself to Granite State voters,” said Levesque.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, both of whom have also visited the Granite State this year, garnered 4% and 3% support respectively.

On the Republican side, Vance is the clear favorite with 56% of New Hampshire voters choosing him as their first choice. Way behind are Florida Gov. Ron Desantis (8%) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (7%).

However, polls are just a snapshot in time: the presidential election is still three years away and much could change.

Pappas, Goodlander: Who is leading in New Hampshire’s federal races?

In 2026, New Hampshire will see races in both congressional districts and an open Senate seat.

In the Senate, current Rep. Chris Pappas, D-NH is running to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH. According to the poll, he currently leads both his declared Republican challengers, former Massachusetts senator Scott Brown and state Sen. Dan Innis, by double digits. Brown leads Innis among Republicans, 48%-13%.

Former Sen. John E. Sununu has said he is considering joining the race but has not yet declared.

In the First Congressional District, former Portsmouth City Councilor Stefany Shaheen leads the Democratic field, beating out Maura Sullivan 23%-9%. On the Republican side, repeat candidate Chris Bright has the most support (8%) but 85% of voters remain uncommitted.

In the Second Congressional District, first term Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander leads 2024 Republican nominee Lily Tang Williams (49%-31%).

What is Kelly Ayotte’s approval rating?

Ayotte remains relatively popular despite a highly polarized environment, the poll says.

49% of voters have a favorable view of Ayotte, while 46% have an unfavorable view. These numbers are slightly better than a recent University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll, which found her approval at 47%-46%.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New NH poll shows Trump approval rating, 2028 presidential race leaders