Democrats Face Historic Low in Polls Amid Credibility Crisis
The Democratic Party is facing a historic low in favorability, with only 33% of Americans holding a favorable view of the party in a recent Wall Street Journal poll, a 35-year low. The poll indicates 63% of respondents hold an unfavorable view, signaling a deepening credibility crisis for the party. DNC Chair Ken Martin admitted the party faces a ‘brand problem’ and emphasized the need to rebuild trust with voters.
Martin, in a recent Fox News Digital interview, acknowledged the challenges the party faces but remains optimistic about a potential rebound. The party’s struggles to regain credibility and articulate a clear opposition to Donald Trump’s policies have contributed to its unfavorable ratings. Analysts like John Anzalone, a longtime Democrat pollster, have pointed out that the Democratic brand is so damaged that the party lacks credibility to criticize Trump or the Republican Party effectively.
The Wall Street Journal survey, conducted July 16-20, is the latest to indicate the Democratic Party’s declining popularity. Other polls, such as a CNN poll conducted July 10-13 and a Quinnipiac University survey from July 10-14, also show the party at historic lows. Only 28% of Americans viewed the party favorably in the CNN poll, marking the lowest mark in the history of CNN polling. Quinnipiac’s survey found just 19% of voters approved of Democrats in Congress, with 72% disapproving—a 16-year low.
Since the 2024 elections, the Democratic Party has struggled to regain its former standing. The party lost control of the White House and Senate, and failed to secure a House majority. Additionally, Republicans made gains among key Democratic base demographics, including Black, Hispanic, and younger voters. This has fueled frustration among Democrats, who are calling for a stronger stance against Trump’s policies.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the Wall Street Journal poll. Voters are still likely to support a Democrat for Congress over a Republican by a 46%-43% margin. Democrats aim to reclaim the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. While the party faces significant hurdles, the poll suggests that there is still a path forward for the Democrats to rebuild their political standing.