Is the Democratic Party quietly fracturing from within?
A recent eye-opening poll suggests the answer might be yes. As disapproval surges and enthusiasm wanes—even among loyal Democrats—the party faces a precarious path leading into the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Internal tensions, dwindling donor support, and an electorate growing restless raise a pressing question: Is the party that once championed progressive change losing its grip on the voters it pledged to represent?
A new survey by Marist, conducted in partnership with NPR and PBS News, delivers a stark verdict on the state of congressional Democrats. Released this Tuesday, the poll reveals that just 27% of registered voters currently approve of how Democratic members of Congress are performing—a steep decline from the 39% approval rating recorded earlier this year in February 2024.
On the flip side, a significant 58% expressed dissatisfaction with Democratic congressional leadership, while 15% remained undecided.
Perhaps most strikingly, this disenchantment extends deep within the party’s own ranks. Among self-identified Democrats, approval of their party’s congressional leadership is narrowly split: 44% approve, but 43% disapprove, signaling growing internal unease and frustration.
By contrast, Republicans enjoyed a modest boost in their leadership approval. The poll found 36% of all respondents—and a commanding 73% of Republicans—express support for GOP congressional leaders, rising from just 26% earlier this year. Still, a majority of 52% overall disapprove of Republican leadership, with 12% unsure.
This latest Marist poll follows a string of surveys highlighting a widening gap between Democratic congressional leadership and the broader public as the 2026 midterms near.
The Democrats’ ambitious goal to reclaim the House now looks increasingly complicated by these unfavorable dynamics. Meanwhile, internal reports point to mounting friction within the Democratic National Committee and a noticeable dip in fundraising momentum.
The Marist/NPR/PBS News poll was conducted from June 23 to June 25, surveying 1,381 adults nationwide. The margin of error stands at ±2.9 percentage points for all adults and ±3.1 for the 1,206 registered voters surveyed. The sample consisted of 35% Democrats, 34% Republicans, and 29% independents.
Bottom Line:
The Marist/NPR/PBS News poll sketches a challenging landscape for congressional Democrats as they gear up for the 2026 midterms. With approval ratings tumbling and even Democratic voters split on their leadership, the party faces an uphill battle to regain momentum and voter trust.
Meanwhile, Republicans, while still viewed skeptically by most, are gaining some ground, suggesting a shifting political balance. Coupled with internal divisions and waning donor enthusiasm, these developments point to a Democratic Party grappling with its identity and connection to the electorate at a critical juncture.