New poll shows mixed opinions on Trump, Tillis among North Carolinians

A recent Catawba-YouGov poll reveals a mixed political landscape in North Carolina, with President Donald Trump’s approval rating dipping compared to recent months. The survey, conducted from June 10 to 26, asked 1,000 North Carolinians about their views on national and state leaders, as well as opinions on key policy issues.

The poll shows that 50% of respondents disapprove of Trump’s performance, compared to 46% who approve. Strong disapproval is significant at 43%, while 30% express strong approval. Support for the president generally follows partisan loyalties, with 92% of Republicans approving and 89% of Democrats disapproving. Independents lean toward disapproval, with 59% unfavorable toward the president compared to 36% who approve.

Key demographic insights highlight a gender gap, with 54% of men approving of Trump while 57% of women disapprove. Among racial groups, white respondents were broadly supportive (57% approval), while 75% of black respondents and 61% of Hispanic and other racial groups expressed disapproval. 

Younger generations — including Millennials and Gen Z — are more critical of Trump, with 52% disapproving. Meanwhile, residents in central urban areas showed the highest disapproval at 65%; compared to more favorable ratings in rural areas, at 53% approval; and suburban areas, at 58% approval.

“Overall, while the approval/disapproval is within poll’s margin of error, North Carolinians’ opinions appear to have turned on the president,” said Dr. Michael Bitzer, professor of politics and history and director of the Center for North Carolina Politics & Public Service. “Three months ago, the March Catawba-YouGov poll found Trump at 48 percent approval to 47 percent disapproval. With his approval appearing to tick down and disapproval ticking up, the president’s first six months have impacted his standing in North Carolina.”

The findings from the poll are consistent with Carolina Journal polling from May, which found that Trump’s favorability among NC voters had declined to 45.5% favorable and 50.8% unfavorable. That marked a drop from the previous March 2025 poll, where Trump was viewed slightly more favorably than unfavorably, at 49.5% to 48.7%.

In the new Catawba-YouGov poll, Republican US Senator Thom Tillis’ approval rating was underwater at 33%, while 44% disapproved of his job performance. Even within his party, support was notably soft, as only 60% of Republicans approved of Tillis. Among Democrats, disapproval rose to 63%, and Independents expressed a 52% disapproval rate. These results mark a decline from March 2025, when he garnered 41% approval. Tillis announced this week that he would not seek a third term in office.

Tillis faces particular challenges among moderates, 43% of whom disapprove. While conservatives mostly approve at 54%, 28% of those who voted for Trump in 2024 disapproved of Tillis.

According to the poll, Democratic NC Gov. Josh Stein continues to enjoy net positive approval ratings, with 53% of respondents approving of his leadership compared to only 26% disapproving. Stein’s approval crossed party lines among a majority of Democrats and Independents in support, while Republicans were more divided, with 39% approving and 40% disapproving.

The poll also surveyed public opinion on two major policy issues impacting the state. Fifty-seven percent disapproved of the federal government’s decision to reduce Hurricane Helene recovery funding from 100% to 90%. This response was consistent across party lines.

Meanwhile, opinions were more fluid regarding a court ruling allowing the transfer of the NC State Board of Elections oversight from Stein to the Republican state auditor. Initial responses showed more disapproval at 42% than approval at 36%. But when party affiliations were disclosed, 43% approved of the transfer compared to 38% disapproving.

The post New poll shows mixed opinions on Trump, Tillis among North Carolinians first appeared on Carolina Journal.

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