Poll finds only 7 in 10 Democrats view party positively ahead of key primaries
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic voters are expressing a less positive view of their party heading into the upcoming midterm elections, according to new polling from Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The survey found that about 7 in 10 Democrats view the Democratic Party favorably, a figure that remains below levels recorded before the 2024 presidential election.
While the majority of Democrats continue to support their party, the data indicate that enthusiasm has not fully rebounded. The findings come as primary contests begin in several competitive states.
Democratic favorability remains below 2024 peak
The poll found that roughly 70% of Democratic voters report a positive view of their party. That marks a slight increase from 67% in October, but a notable drop from September 2024, when Democratic favorability reached 85%, the highest point recorded in several years.
Despite a series of special election victories since the 2024 presidential race, Democratic sentiment toward the party has not returned to previous highs. Other polling data has similarly shown frustration within the party’s base.
A separate survey conducted last fall by the Pew Research Center found that about two-thirds of Democrats said their own party made them feel “frustrated.”
The midterm elections remain months away, and political analysts note that favorability ratings do not always directly predict electoral outcomes. Historically, the party not occupying the White House tends to gain congressional seats during midterm elections. Recent polling also suggests that independent voters often lean toward the party out of power.
In early March, Democratic primaries will begin in key states, including North Carolina and Texas. In Texas, US Rep Jasmine Crockett and state Rep James Talarico are competing in a closely watched race to challenge Senator John Cornyn.
In Georgia, Democrats are seeking to defend Senator Jon Ossoff’s seat, while former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is leading in polls for the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Broad dissatisfaction with both parties; health care emerges as key issue
The AP-NORC survey indicates that dissatisfaction extends beyond Democratic voters. About one-quarter of Americans hold unfavorable views of both the Democratic and Republican parties, with that sentiment particularly common among independents and adults under 45.
Only about 1 in 10 Americans report positive views of both parties. The poll also measured public opinion of Donald Trump, finding that 61% of respondents have a very or somewhat unfavorable view of him, while 34% hold a favorable opinion.
On policy issues, Democrats appear to have an advantage on health care. Approximately 35% of US adults said they trust Democrats more to handle health care, compared to 23% who said they trust Republicans. However, neither party holds a clear edge on addressing the cost of living, according to the survey.
Republicans have seen slight declines in trust on issues such as the economy and immigration. About 31% of adults said they trust Republicans to handle the economy, down from 36% last year, while Democrats did not register gains on that question. Instead, more Americans now say they trust “neither” party on economic matters.
