New Poll: Military Voters Overwhelmingly Back Veteran Legislation, But GOP Faces a Support Gap That Could Decide Key House Races

Veteran Action/Rasmussen Reports survey finds 4–point gap between Trump support and GOP generic ballot — veteran-focused legislation could close it

Veteran Action, in partnership with Rasmussen Reports, releases results of a survey of 1,516 likely U.S. military voters conducted February 27 through March 17, 2026. The findings deliver a clear message to Congressional leaders: veteran issues command massive bipartisan support and prioritizing them is both the right thing to do and politically important.

The poll reveals a 4–point gap between military voter support for President Trump (60%) and support for the Republican generic congressional ballot (57%). Veteran Action’s legislative priorities — the Veterans’ ACCESS Act and the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act — draw support well above 90% among military voters, cutting across party lines. Championing these bills gives House candidates a clear path to close the gap.

“Veterans were critical to Republican victories in 2024, but that loyalty cannot be taken for granted,” says Mark Lucas, Founder & President of Veteran Action. “The data is clear: veterans expect Congress to deliver on healthcare access, mental health, and election integrity. Candidates who lead on these issues will earn veteran support. Those who don’t risk losing it — and with it, their seats.”

Trump and Hegseth Remain Highly Popular with Military Voters

President Trump holds a 60% approval rating among likely military voters. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth earns 56% approval. The Trump administration’s handling of veteran issues receives a 53% positive rating. These numbers confirm a strong foundation of support — but the 4–point drop-off to the generic Republican ballot signals that down-ballot candidates must do more to earn veteran trust.

Veteran Action’s Legislative Priorities Command Overwhelming Support

The Veterans’ ACCESS Act — which combines community healthcare access, 48–hour mental health screening, and an online portal for appointments and appeals — makes 75% of military voters more likely to support a candidate who backs it.

The Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act, which directs the VA to explicitly inform veterans of their existing rights to healthcare, benefits, and services, earns 94% support. Veteran Action has endorsed Rep. Mariannette Miller–Meeks, a leading veteran champion who introduced the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. Additional endorsements are forthcoming, but Veteran Action calls on all Congressional candidates to co–sponsor and advance this legislation.

Veterans Demand Healthcare Choice

Military voters overwhelmingly support the right to seek care in the community when the VA cannot deliver. Ninety percent support giving veterans the choice to use VA healthcare benefits at providers outside the VA system. Support for community healthcare when the VA cannot provide timely appointments reaches 88%.

Election Integrity Is a Top–Tier Concern

Military voters are deeply concerned about the security of overseas ballots. Eighty–two percent are concerned that only 23% of active–duty service members returned absentee ballots in the 2024 election. Seventy–eight percent are concerned that over 70% of overseas ballots are cast by civilians rather than military personnel, and that the share of military votes is shrinking. Seventy–eight percent are also concerned that overseas civilians may be voting remotely in states where they never resided.

Military Voters Support Iran Action but Prioritize the Economy at the Ballot Box

Sixty–one percent of military voters support meaningful U.S. military action against Iran. However, when asked what matters most in elections, the economy dominates. Inflation and cost of living rank first at 23%, followed by jobs and the economy at 22%. Global conflicts and war register at only 6%. The takeaway: military voters back a strong posture abroad but vote on pocketbook issues.

Healthcare Access and Mental Health Top the Veteran Issue Agenda

Asked which veteran–specific issues matter most, 34% of military voters cite healthcare access and 30% cite mental health and suicide prevention. Homelessness follows at 18%, and benefits processing at 8%. These priorities align directly with Veteran Action’s legislative agenda and reinforce the electoral case for championing the ACCESS Act and the Bill of Rights Act.

Additional Findings

Sixty–six percent of military voters support President Trump’s proposal to increase the defense budget by 50% to $1.5 trillion. Eighty–three percent support auditing the Pentagon and Department of War budget. Fifty–seven percent rate the overall quality of VA benefits and services as “excellent” or “good,” while 40% rate them as “fair” or “poor.”

Methodology

This survey was conducted by Rasmussen Reports in partnership with Veteran Action from February 27 to March 17, 2026, among 1,516 likely U.S. military voters (85% previously served, 15% currently serving). Respondents were 80% male and 20% female. The sample is 72% white, 12% Black, 11% Hispanic, and 5% other. Party identification: 50% Republican, 25% Democrat, 25% other/independent. Click here to view the full crosstabs.

About Veteran Action

Veteran Action is a smash-mouth political organization advocating for America First policies that strengthen national security and provide unwavering support for our veterans.