Democrats’ Congressional Confidence Hits Rock Bottom in Gallup Poll

Confidence in Democratic leadership in Congress has plunged to its lowest level ever recorded, according to a new national Gallup poll. The latest numbers show just 25% of Americans say they have confidence in Democratic congressional leaders, a steep drop from last year’s previous low of 34%.

For comparison, confidence in Republican congressional leadership is currently at 39%, a significant climb from their own record low of 24% back in 2014. It’s a rare moment when Republicans look like the steady hand in Congress—at least by these metrics.

One of the most dramatic findings: the dip in Democratic confidence is being driven by Democrats themselves. Gallup reports that confidence among Democratic voters in their own party’s congressional leaders has fallen by a staggering 41 points since last year, marking the lowest internal support ever recorded.

These gloomy numbers come on the heels of a rough political season for Democrats. After losing the White House and Senate in last November’s elections, and barely holding onto their slim House majority, the party finds itself wandering in what pundits like to call the political wilderness. Republicans, meanwhile, have been making headway among Black, Hispanic, and younger voters—traditionally strongholds for Democrats.

Fueling Democratic frustration is President Donald Trump’s return to the White House three months ago, where he’s wasted no time rolling back federal programs and reshaping policy. The Democratic base is fired up, but their anger is as much aimed at their own leaders as it is at Trump. Many feel that party leadership in Congress hasn’t done enough to push back or speak up against the president’s aggressive agenda.

This internal tension has spilled into public view, with fiery debates at town halls and a particularly bold move by the party’s vice chair, who’s taking on incumbents in primaries—a surefire recipe for a little more drama on the Hill.

Other recent polls—from Quinnipiac, CNN, and NBC News—echo Gallup’s findings: favorable ratings for the Democratic Party are sinking to historic lows. It seems Democrats aren’t just losing ground with swing voters; they’re losing patience with themselves.