Public confidence in the U.S. Democratic Party has plunged to its lowest level in over 30 years, according to a Wall Street Journal poll released this week, which also revealed shifting voter preferences favoring Republicans on a majority of policy issues. The survey, conducted July 16–20 with 1,500 registered voters, found only 33% of respondents view Democrats favorably, compared to 63% who hold unfavorable views — the party’s worst performance in the Journal’s polling since 1990. While the Republican Party also faces a net negative rating (43% favorable, 54% unfavorable), its deficit is notably narrower than that of its rival.
Voters now express greater trust in Republicans to handle eight out of ten key policy areas, including inflation, economic management, and foreign policy, according to the poll. Democrats retain an edge solely on healthcare and vaccine-related matters. This trend persists despite widespread disapproval of former President Donald Trump’s performance on critical issues. A majority of respondents criticized his approach to inflation, tariffs, and the economy, with his net disapproval on inflation standing at 11 percentage points. Nevertheless, the GOP holds a 10-point advantage over Democrats on the same issue — a paradox underscoring broader voter skepticism toward Democratic priorities.
The findings signal a dramatic reversal in political alignment since 2017, when Democrats led Republicans by six points in party identification. Today, Republicans hold a one-point edge, maintaining consistent momentum for over a year. Following his 2024 election win, Trump framed the shift as a repudiation of what he called the “radical left,” accusing Democrats of alienating voters by emphasizing issues such as transgender rights, critical race theory, and immigration policies over economic stability and national security.
The poll arrives as Republicans gear up for tightly contested 2026 midterm elections, tasked with defending a slim 219–212 House majority. However, internal fractures threaten to complicate their path. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, recently cautioned that fallout from the former president’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case could splinter the conservative MAGA movement, potentially costing the party up to 40 House seats. Other allies have similarly warned that infighting could weaken electoral prospects despite current polling advantages.
Analysts note the results reflect growing voter frustration with perceived Democratic overreach on cultural issues amid economic uncertainty. Yet Republicans face their own challenges in balancing Trump’s polarizing influence with broader electoral demands. As both parties brace for 2026, the poll highlights an electorate increasingly willing to separate its disapproval of individual leaders from its broader policy preferences — a dynamic that could reshape U.S. politics in the coming years.
