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Democratic Optimism Hits New Low as GOP Confidence Climbs, Poll Shows

An AP-NORC survey reveals deep pessimism among Democrats about their party's future, contrasting with modest gains in Republican voter confidence.

Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., holds hands with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a "Fighting Oligarchy" event at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho, Monday, April 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Kyle Green)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of N.Y., speaks during a news conference to protest cuts in the World Trade Center Health Program on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of N.Y., right, speaks as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., left, listens during a news conference to protest cuts in the World Trade Center Health Program on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
This photo combo shows Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, left, speaking during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, April 27, 2025, in Manchester, N.H. and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaking during a "Fighting Oligarchy" tour event at Arizona State University, March 20, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha/Ross D. Franklin)

Overview

  • Only 35% of Democrats express optimism about their party's future, a sharp decline from 57% in July 2024, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted earlier this month.
  • Republican optimism has risen to 55%, up from 47% last summer, reflecting growing confidence among GOP voters.
  • Neither major party is viewed favorably by a majority of Americans, with 40% holding a positive view of the GOP and about one-third favoring the Democratic Party.
  • 55% of Democrats are dissatisfied with how political leaders are chosen in the U.S., a notable increase from 46% last summer.
  • The AP-NORC poll, conducted May 1–5 among 1,175 adults, highlights widespread discontent with both parties' leadership and direction.