As lawmakers head home for the July 4 recess, new polling reportedly paints a bleak picture for Democrats in Congress, who continue to struggle with low public approval ahead of a contentious election season.
A recent national survey conducted by Marist found that fewer than four in ten Americans approve of the job Democrats in Congress are doing.
The sentiment held steady among registered voters as well, pointing to a broader disillusionment that cuts across political lines.
The findings come at a moment of internal friction within the Democratic Party.
Recent reports suggest growing frustration among rank-and-file members over the party’s messaging, leadership strategy, and lack of fundraising momentum.
Some lawmakers have openly questioned whether the national committee is adequately preparing for the challenges of the 2026 midterms.
Although Republicans currently hold a narrow edge in both chambers, their own internal divisions have drawn scrutiny, with several high-profile primary battles fracturing party unity.
Still, the new numbers suggest that public dissatisfaction is weighing more heavily on Democrats — a troubling sign for a party that has struggled to connect with voters amid economic uncertainty and stalled legislative priorities.
Independents, who make up nearly a third of the electorate, remain especially skeptical.
The poll showed low approval for Democrats among this key group, underscoring the uphill battle the party faces in shoring up support ahead of the next electoral cycle.
With congressional control likely to hinge on swing districts, even modest shifts among independents could prove decisive.
While both parties grapple with widespread voter fatigue and low institutional trust, Democrats appear particularly vulnerable.
Their hopes of rebounding rest on the ability to deliver meaningful legislative wins, craft a more coherent national message, and reenergize a donor base that has shown signs of retreat.
The poll’s results serve as a warning that voters are watching closely — and not with much patience. As Congress breaks for the summer holiday, the path forward remains uncertain.
Democrats, in particular, are left to confront the reality that their political fortunes may hinge less on Republican missteps and more on their ability to course-correct and reengage a disillusioned electorate.
With just over a year until the next major election, the clock is ticking — and the mood of the country is far from forgiving.
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