New Poll: Democratic Party Seen As Weaker On Leadership, Getting Things Done And Changing The Status Quo Ahead Of 2026 Midterms
The Democratic Party just received another blistering public opinion report card, with the American people saying by double-digit margins Democrats are weak on leadership, struggle to get things done, and are no longer the party of change.
The survey also shows Americans trust Republicans over Democratics to handle key issues —including crime, immigration, the economy, and taxes — leading into the next election cycle.
According to the latest CNN survey conducted by SSRS, Americans say by a strong twenty-four-point margin that they believe the Republican Party, not the Democratic Party, is the party of strong leadership. A full forty percent of Americans say the GOP is the party of strong leadership, while only 16 percent say the same for the Democratic Party.
On getting things done, Republicans hold another double-digit advantage over Democrats. Americans say by seventeen points that the Republican Party is the party of getting things done, with 36 percent of Americans saying the GOP is the party of getting things done while just nineteen percent say the same for the Democratic Party.
While in the 2010’s the Democratic Party somewhat successfully branded itself as the party of change for the middle class, the GOP now holds an edge as the party of change. Americans say by seven points — 32 percent to 25 percent — that the Republican Party represents change from the status quo.
The GOP isn’t just seen as offering stronger leadership, problem-solving skills, and representing political change. On issues like the economy, taxes, immigration and crime that will drive political participation next election cycle, Americans largely align with Republicans.
The Republican Party holds a seven-point advantage on the economy, with 38 percent of Americans saying the GOP’s views on the economy come closer to their own while 31 percent say the Democratic Party’s views come closer to their own. Voters are more likely to support an America-First approach to the economy and trade, as well as lower taxes.
Republicans hold a seven-point advantage on taxes, with 37 percent of the country saying their views on taxation align most with Republicans while 30 percent say their views align with Democrats.
Republicans also hold a six-point advantage on immigration, with 39 percent of Americans aligning with the GOP’s approach to the border while 33 percent align with Democrats.
The GOP’s largest margin is on the issue of crime and policing. Americans say their view aligns the most with Republicans on crime and policing by thirteen points, 40 percent to 27 percent.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the Democratic Party faces a stark reality — Americans are increasingly recognizing the GOP as the party of leadership, effectiveness, and a departure from the failing status quo. This shift reflects a broader sentiment that the Democratic Party’s policies have fallen short, particularly on issues like the neglected border, rampant crime, and short-sighted economic policies that leave many Americans behind.
Voters are hungry for a change from the status quo but are beginning to recognize that it is largely under Democratic leadership that the country has been steered off course. If Democrats continue to prioritize open borders, lawlessness, higher taxes, and an America-last approach to trade, they risk further alienating Americans who are seeking a return to freedom and prosperity.
Manzanita Miller is the senior political analyst at Americans for Limited Government Foundation.
Reproduced with permission. Original here: New Poll: Democratic Party Seen As Weaker On Leadership, Getting Things Done And Changing The Status Quo Ahead Of 2026 Midterms
Help American Liberty PAC in our mission to elect conservatives and save our nation. Support – American Liberty PAC