According to a new poll released last week, a majority of those who identify as independent voters would prefer that Republicans be voted back into control of Congress in 2022's midterm elections.
The poll by John Zogby Strategies found that only 27% of independent voters would like Democrats to remain in control of Congress, while 45% want Republicans in charge.
The remaining 28% said they did not know who they would like to control after the election.
The poll also found that only 46% of respondents currently approve of the job that President Joe Biden is doing, while 52% disapprove. In addition, only 20% strongly approved and 40% strongly disapproved.
The poll was conducted online and asked 777 voters nationwide their thoughts on Dec. 17. Zogby reported a sampling error of plus or minus 3.6%.
From key groups, Biden has similar numbers with 54% of Hispanics, 64% of Blacks, and 46% of 18 to 29-year-olds approving of him, all groups that helped him get elected in 2020.
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Several factors have played a part in the president's low approval rating, from record-breaking inflation to new strains of COVID-19.
"Biden's overall numbers are borderline at 46%, but with 40% strong disapproval, his room for growth is severely limited," Poller John Zogby said. "In my four decades of polling, Democrats need about a five-percentage point advantage nationwide Congressional preference in order to maintain a majority of Congress."
Now, with Republicans only needing five seats to regain control of the House of Representatives, and 23 House Democrats announcing plans to not run for re-election, control may be switching red once again.
"With a three-point Republican lead, and a substantial lead among Independents, signs are pointing today to the possibility of a big Republican advantage going into 2022," Zogby said.
