A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows significant dissatisfaction among Democrats with their congressional leadership. Conducted from June 5–8, the poll found that 53% of Democrats disapprove of their party’s lawmakers, while only 41% approve. Among all voters, support for Democrats in Congress has dropped to just 21%, matching a historic low last seen in February. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have slightly higher approval at 32%, though that reflects an 8-point drop since February. Within the GOP, 79% of Republican voters approve of their congressional representatives, and only 13% disapprove, suggesting stronger internal unity compared to the Democrats.

The Democratic Party has struggled to recover after losing the White House and Senate in the last election and facing ongoing challenges in maintaining House control. Shifting voter demographics — including gains for Republicans among Black, Hispanic, and younger voters — have complicated the party’s path forward. Frustration has grown within the Democratic base over what many view as a weak response to Donald Trump’s controversial agenda since his return to office. This discontent has driven down favorability ratings and exposed deeper fractures within the party. Critics like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich claim Democrats lack solutions and instead rely on inflammatory rhetoric, which he warns could spark unrest. The poll underscores not only the internal rift among Democrats but also a broader public loss of confidence in both parties’ leadership, foreshadowing a turbulent and divisive 2026 midterm election cycle.