The Democrats thought they were at rock bottom. But it’s getting worse for them.
Because the Democrats have reached a new low with CNN stunned by a new report.
Congressional Democrats Face Historic Low Approval Amid Party Struggles
CNN’s senior data analyst Harry Enten highlighted on Thursday that recent polls indicate congressional Democrats are experiencing their lowest-ever net approval rating among their own party members.
According to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday, only 39% of Democrats approve of congressional Democrats’ performance, while 52% disapprove. During a segment on “CNN News Central,” Enten pointed out that the Democrats’ efforts to criticize former President Donald Trump’s administration over its handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents have fallen flat. While Trump’s approval among Republicans is climbing, congressional Democrats are losing ground with their base.
“Here’s what’s so important: You know, we talk about the potential of Republicans leaving Donald Trump. They’re not leaving him,” Enten said. “But what about congressional Democrats and problems with their own base? Democrats’ net approval of congressional Democrats, according to Quinnipiac University. In June of 2025, it was their second-worst ever at minus 12 points.”
“Is that not low enough for you? How about we go even lower? In July of 2025, minus 13 points, their worst net approval rating for congressional Democrats among Democrats ever!” he continued. “Donald Trump is not the one who has problems with his political base. It is congressional Democrats who are the ones who have problems with their own political base.”
The Quinnipiac poll also revealed that Trump’s approval rating among Republicans has surged to 90%, despite controversy surrounding Epstein documents. A separate CNN/SSRS poll released on Wednesday showed Trump’s approval among Republicans at 88%.
The controversy intensified after a July 6 Axios report revealed a two-page memo indicating that the Department of Justice and FBI found no “client list” linked to Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
Demands for transparency have come from both Democrats and Trump supporters, including former White House adviser Steve Bannon, who called for the release of all Epstein-related documents.
“I don’t think this thing is going to go away … You’ve got to release everything,” Bannon said on “Bannon’s War Room” July 10. “Just release it all. I don’t think there’s any middle ground.”
Enten also noted on Wednesday that Democrats are trailing in polls with just one year until the 2026 midterm elections. “Democrats are behind their 2006 and 2018 paces when it comes to the generic congressional ballot … Look at where we are now, Democrats are ahead, but by just two points,” Enten said. “Look at where Democrats were already ahead by in 2017, they were ahead by 7 points. How about 2005 on the congressional ballot? Ahead by 7 points, ahead by 7 points, and now they’re only ahead by 2 points?”
“That lead is less than half of where it was in either 2017 or 2005 in July. In those years, the year before the midterm elections,” he added. “Yes, Donald Trump may be unpopular, but Democrats have not come anywhere close to sealing the deal at this particular point.”
A CNN/SSRS poll from March showed Democrats’ favorability at a mere 29%, the lowest since 1992. Similarly, a Marist/NPR/PBS News poll published on July 1 found that only 27% of Americans approved of congressional Democrats’ performance.
Democrats Lose Ground as Radical Policies Alienate Voters
Recent analyses suggest that the Democratic Party’s declining support is tied to its increasingly progressive agenda, which is alienating moderate and working-class Americans. Polls indicate that the party’s focus on issues like expansive climate policies, identity politics, and sweeping social justice reforms is failing to resonate with the electorate. A July 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 62% of Americans believe Democrats have shifted too far left, a sentiment echoed across various demographics, including independents and some traditional Democratic voters.
The party’s handling of economic concerns has also drawn criticism. With inflation remaining a persistent issue, many Americans feel that Democratic policies prioritize ideological goals over practical solutions. A Gallup poll from June 2025 showed that only 34% of Americans trust Democrats to manage the economy effectively, compared to 46% for Republicans. This gap has widened as voters express frustration with policies perceived as out-of-touch, such as aggressive green energy mandates that critics argue raise energy costs for average households.
Immigration policy has further eroded Democratic support. The party’s push for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship, has been viewed by some as prioritizing non-citizens over American workers. A Rasmussen Reports poll from July 2025 indicated that 55% of voters believe Democrats are too lenient on border security, a concern that has gained traction in swing states. This perception has fueled defections among blue-collar voters, a group Democrats historically relied on.
The cultural disconnect is another factor. Democrats’ emphasis on progressive social issues, such as gender identity and critical race theory, has clashed with the values of many Americans, particularly in rural and suburban areas. A 2025 YouGov poll found that 58% of voters feel the party is too focused on “woke” issues, alienating moderates who once formed a core part of the Democratic coalition. This has led to losses in key battleground states, where voters are increasingly turning to Republicans or third-party candidates.
While Republicans have successfully framed themselves as defenders of economic stability and traditional values, Democrats have been criticized for failing to articulate a clear, unifying vision. A July 2025 AP-NORC poll revealed that only 30% of Americans believe Democrats have a coherent plan for the country’s future, compared to 48% for Republicans.
