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yesterday

Democratic Party Hits Three-Decade Low in Favorability While Holding Slim Ballot Lead

Republicans enter the 2026 midterms with gerrymandered districts, a massive war chest, steadfast public support, stalled Democratic recruitment

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 14: The U.S. Capitol building is shrouded in the early morning rain and mist on May 14, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump listens as he meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for bilateral talks at Trump Turnberry golf club on July 28, 2025, in Turnberry, Scotland.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speak to reporters in the Ohio Clock Corridor of the U.S. Capitol Building on July 22, 2025.

Overview

  • Recent Wall Street Journal and CNN surveys place Democratic favorability at its lowest in over three decades, with just 28%–33% viewing the party positively and 63% holding negative views.
  • Despite its brand crisis, Democrats maintain a narrow generic-ballot edge in the Wall Street Journal poll, with 46% backing them for Congress versus 43% for Republicans.
  • Republicans benefit from gerrymandered maps that shrink competitive districts and a projected $1.5 billion war chest.
  • The GOP’s operation and RNC hold $81 million in cash on hand compared with the DNC’s $15 million, deepening Democrats’ fundraising shortfall.
  • Democratic recruitment remains stalled, with no candidates filed in Pennsylvania’s 8th District and former Democrats running as independents in South Dakota, Idaho and Nebraska.