Poll Shows Voters Distrust Both Parties Despite Democratic Gains on Key Issues
A new AP-NORC survey finds that while Democrats are gaining ground on specific policy issues, a majority of registered voters remain skeptical of both major parties' ability to solve national problems. Only about 20% of voters feel the Democratic Party is effectively focused on helping them, a figure similar to support for the GOP. The data highlights deep frustration with congressional gridlock, including recent federal shutdowns, and reveals internal divisions within the Democratic base regarding whether the party is too moderate or too extreme.
Key points
- The AP-NORC poll surveyed 2,140 adults and 1,766 registered voters between September 24 and 28, 2026.
- Only 20% of registered voters say the Democratic Party is 'extremely' or 'very' able to solve important problems or focused on helping people like them, a percentage similar to that for the Republican Party.
- 55% of registered voters describe the Republican Party as 'too extreme,' while 45% say the same about the Democratic Party.
- Democrats are divided on their strategy, with nearly half of Democratic voters calling their party 'too moderate,' contrasting with Republican voters who mostly view their party as 'about right.'
- The federal government partially shut down twice in the past year due to partisan disputes over healthcare and immigration spending, contributing to public frustration with legislative progress.
Background
Recent polls indicate Democrats are gaining traction on economic and cost-of-living issues ahead of the 2026 midterms. A September 2026 NYT/Siena poll showed a 9-point Democratic lead among likely voters, driven by concerns over inflation and healthcare. Similarly, a CBS News poll found Democratic voters are primarily motivated by opposing the current administration rather than advancing specific policies. Latino voters have also shifted left in competitive House districts, reversing earlier GOP gains. These trends suggest that while Democrats are winning on issue-based comparisons, the current AP-NORC data reveals a broader, underlying skepticism about the effectiveness of both parties in Washington.
Why it matters
The disconnect between issue-based gains and overall party approval suggests that voters may support Democratic policies but remain unconfident in the party's ability to execute them. This skepticism could impact turnout and the willingness of moderate voters to support Democratic candidates in the November general election, particularly in swing states like Wisconsin where primary results have highlighted internal party tensions.
What to watch
The focus will shift to the November general election, where candidates like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who narrowly won the Democratic primary for governor, will test whether voters translate issue-based support into votes for party nominees. Analysts will watch if the 'too moderate' perception among Democrats hampers their ability to unify the base or if the frustration with GOP gridlock drives higher turnout for Democratic candidates despite low overall party approval.
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