Despite recent setbacks and low favorability ratings, the Democratic Party is showing resilience in polls for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, according to New York Magazine.

Recent polls have revealed a significant decline in the Democratic Party’s popularity. An NBC News poll found that only 27% of registered voters view the party favorably, the lowest rating since 1990. Similarly, a CNN poll showed just 29% of voters holding a positive view of Democrats, a record low since 1992.

However, these same polls indicate a surprising lead for Democrats in the 2026 generic congressional ballot. The NBC News poll shows Democrats ahead by a slim 48% to 47% margin. This trend is consistent across multiple polls, with Democrats leading or tied in most generic ballot surveys.

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Political analysts attribute this discrepancy to growing opposition to President Trump’s policies, which may outweigh the current dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party. Historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats in midterm elections, with an average loss of 28 seats over the past 22 midterms.

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Opposition to Trump May Benefit Democrats

Despite their current struggles, Democrats may find themselves well-positioned for the 2026 midterms if public sentiment continues to turn against the Trump administration’s controversial actions. As one political observer noted, “There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Democratic Party’s future prospects, particularly if Trump continues to gamble his fragile popularity on wildly controversial actions.”

While the Democratic Party faces immediate challenges in leadership and messaging, the political landscape suggests potential gains in the upcoming midterm elections. The party’s ability to capitalize on this opportunity may depend on how effectively they can address their internal issues and refocus attention on the current administration’s policies.

Read more at New York Magazine