A new Wall Street Journal poll has cast a stark light on the Democratic Party's public perception, revealing a dip to a low not seen in over three decades. Only 33% of registered voters now view the Democrats favorably, a stark contrast to the 63% who harbor unfavorable opinions. This data comes amid a political landscape where President Donald Trump and the Republican Party also grapple with mixed approval ratings.
The poll, conducted among 1,500 registered voters from July 16 to July 20, 2025, with a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, shows a nuanced picture. Trump's approval rating stands at 46%, with 52% disapproving, marking an uptick from his first term's 40% approval at a similar juncture. Despite the GOP's overall net negative seven points in approval, the party finds favor with voters on several core issues.
In a hypothetical generic congressional ballot, the Democrats narrowly edge out Republicans, with 46% to 43% of respondents indicating their voting preference. This slender lead underscores the challenges ahead for House Democrats as they aim to recapture control of the lower chamber. The Republicans' competitiveness and momentum are evident, especially on fronts such as inflation and immigration, where they lead Democrats by substantial margins.
Public trust in the GOP's economic acumen remains robust, as evidenced by a 7-point advantage over Democrats on trade policy—even as Trump's tariffs face strong disapproval. A majority, 51%, view Trump's impact as fostering dysfunction and chaos, yet 45% believe his changes are positive, highlighting a complex voter sentiment towards policy and leadership.
Democratic pollster John Anzalone, who co-conducted the survey, conveyed deep concern for his party's standing. "The Democratic brand is so bad that they don’t have the credibility to be a critic of Trump or the Republican Party," Anzalone stated, emphasizing the need for Democrats to reconnect with working-class Americans and clarify their economic message to improve their fortunes.
Despite the gloomy outlook, Democrats hold the upper hand on vaccine policy and healthcare, the latter being a potential lifeline amid waning public confidence in other areas. The loss in the 2024 elections has spurred internal criticism within the Democratic ranks, with many leaders expressing frustration over the absence of a coherent message as the 2026 midterms approach.
Historically, the out-of-power party tends to fare better in midterm elections. Democrats, for instance, witnessed a significant victory in 2018 when they flipped 40 House seats. However, with Republicans holding a narrow 219–212 majority, the upcoming midterms present an opportunity for the GOP to challenge historical trends and maintain control.
The poll's findings resonate with political observers and constituents alike, reflecting the shifting dynamics within American politics. Both parties face the challenge of addressing voter concerns and redefining their strategies to secure electoral success in the looming midterms.
