WSJ poll: US Democratic party image hits 30-year low

The Democratic Party’s public image has plunged to its lowest point in more than three decades, according to a new Wall Street Journal poll, as voters increasingly view Republicans as more capable of handling top national concerns—including the economy, immigration, and inflation.

The survey, conducted July 16–20 among 1,500 registered voters, found that 63% of respondents hold an unfavorable view of the Democratic Party, the highest recorded in Journal polls since 1990. Only 33% view the party favorably—a dramatic 30-point gap, Caliber.Az reports via WSJ. 

In contrast, the Republican Party and President Donald Trump, though also viewed more unfavorably than favorably, maintain significantly narrower deficits of 11 and 7 points, respectively. Just 8% of voters said they view Democrats “very favorably,” compared to 19% for Republicans.

Despite widespread disapproval of Trump’s handling of major policy areas—like tariffs, inflation, and immigration—voters said they trust Republicans in Congress more than Democrats to address those very issues. The GOP holds a 10-point advantage on inflation, a 7-point edge on tariffs, and a staggering 24-point lead on illegal immigration.

Healthcare and vaccine policy were the only two areas out of ten tested where voters said they preferred Democratic leadership.

“The Democratic brand is so bad that they don’t have the credibility to be a critic of Trump or the Republican Party,” said John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster who conducted the survey with Republican Tony Fabrizio.

The poll’s findings raise red flags for Democrats hoping to retake the House in the 2026 midterms. While the party holds a 3-point lead (46% to 43%) in a generic congressional ballot, that margin is down from 8 points at a similar point in 2017. At that time, Democrats rode a wave of anti-Trump sentiment to a 40-seat gain and control of the House.

Adding to Democratic woes is a shift in party identification: more voters now identify as Republicans than Democrats by 1 point—a reversal from 2017, when Democrats led by 6 points. It marks the first durable Republican lead in party ID in over 30 years.

Trump’s current job approval sits at 46%, with 52% disapproving—a stronger position than during the same period in his first term.

Historically, first-term presidents tend to suffer losses in midterm elections. But Republican pollster Bill McInturff warned against expecting a repeat of 2018. “We were already watching the tide moving out for the Republican Party by this point in 2017, and that’s not where we are today,” he said.

While Democrats hope grassroots anger can again drive turnout, financial realities present another challenge. The Republican National Committee holds over $80 million in cash, compared to just $15 million for the Democrats’ national campaign arm. Democratic fundraising is down 20% from this point in the last midterm cycle.

The poll underscores a growing paradox: voters express dissatisfaction with Republican leadership on policy execution—but still trust them more than Democrats to govern.

With control of Congress hanging in the balance, both parties are now gearing up to spend billions to reshape the narrative ahead of next year’s elections.

By Sabina Mammadli