Democrats are feeling pretty down about their party’s prospects after struggling for six months against President Donald Trump and the Republicans. This is a key finding from a recent survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Research indicates that only about a third of Democrats express optimism regarding their party’s future, a notable drop from last July when about 60% felt positive. Since the elections last November, in which Republicans secured the White House and Senate, Democrats have been in a bit of a political slump. Notably, Republicans have gained support from black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger demographics—groups that usually align with Democratic values.
A survey conducted from May 1 to May 5 highlights an uptick in Republican optimism, with 55% of GOP members feeling positive about the future, compared to 47% last summer.
Since Trump took office again, Democrats have voiced their concerns more loudly, urging party leaders to take firmer stances against the President’s radical policies. Many feel that some Democrats aren’t being vocal enough in opposition to Trump, which has led to a decline in the party’s favorability ratings, hitting record lows in recent polls.
In the AP-NORC survey, only about a third of respondents have a favorable view of either party. While Republicans aren’t faring much better, only around 40% view the GOP positively.
Among prominent Democrats, Senator Bernie Sanders has a favorable view among about 40% of Americans, with a notably higher 75% approval among self-identified Democrats. On the other hand, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is viewed positively by approximately 30% of the general population, while about half of Democrats favor her as a potential candidate for future elections. There’s even speculation that she might run against longtime Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer in 2028.
Schumer’s favorability sits at just 21% overall, showing a significant decline, especially among Democrats, where only a third have a positive view. Critics within the party pointed to his support for GOP-led funding measures earlier this year as a misstep.
This AP-NORC poll adds to a troubling trend for Democrats, reflecting their lowest ratings in a decade according to a Fox News national poll. The new findings indicate that 41% support the Democrats while 56% disapprove, with the GOP receiving a slightly better 44% favorable rating against 54% unfavorable.
The Democratic favorability also showed negative results in other surveys, like those from Pew Research and the Wall Street Journal, with significant portions of respondents expressing unfavorable views. Additionally, a Gallup poll revealed that trust in Democratic leadership fell to a mere 25%, signaling waning confidence among constituents.
It’s clear from recent polls that as Trump’s approval ratings dip again, Republicans maintain advantages on key issues like the economy and immigration, which could shape the political landscape in the months ahead.
