Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters expressed confidence in Republican prospects for the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that President Donald Trump's policies and Democrat candidates' positions have put the GOP in a strong position heading into November.

Gruters, appearing Friday on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," brushed aside concerns raised by a new AP-NORC analysis showing Trump has lost support among independent voters since the 2024 election, particularly among independents without a college degree.

"No, I don't necessarily believe any of those polls," Gruters said. "I believe in an election day is what really matters. If I believe the polls, we would have lost every single race."

The AP-NORC analysis found that support for Trump among independents without a college degree fell from nearly half around the 2024 election to about one-quarter this spring, a decline researchers said could pose challenges for Republicans before the midterms.

Gruters, a Florida state senator who became RNC chairman in August 2025, said Republicans remain well-positioned despite the polling data.

"This is the president who's gone to bat for the average American worker since he's been elected," Gruters said. "Look at the record-setting investments. Look at the no tax on tips overtime and Social Security. He's going to bat every single day when Washington elitists turn their backs on the American worker."

Gruters said Republicans have an advantage with messaging and highlighted plans to promote the administration's accomplishments.

"I think that as we do things like the midterm convention and explain to the American people all these wonderful things that the president has done, and you show the contrast between having somebody that believes in law and order, believes in shutting down the borders versus the free for all, and the liberal left wing fanatics that they've nominated to represent their party ... these guys have given us an incredible gift," he said.

"We have incredibly strong candidates, and I think that we're, like I said, I think we're moving forward. I'm very, very excited about the upcoming elections."

Gruters also tied Republican prospects to ongoing international developments, including diplomatic efforts involving Iran.

"I was in the Oval Office last week talking about Iran, talking about the state of the world and politics and where we're at with the president," Gruters said. "And I'm very optimistic about our chances in November as we continue to move forward. I think the president has put us in a phenomenal position based on messaging and everything else, for us to be successful."

Gruters also criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Maine senate candidate Graham Plattner, arguing that the Democratic Party has moved away from mainstream voters.

"They've taken their party so far to the left, away from the mainstream, away from common sense and reasonableness," Gruters said. "That's what gives us a chance" in the upcoming elections.

He added: "We're the party of reasonableness and common sense. The decline is a choice. This president is doing everything he can to make sure that our country is the best possible place to live, work and play, and that everybody has the opportunity to live the American dream."

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