Many Democrats are still down on the Democratic Party, a new AP-NORC poll finds

A new AP-NORC poll reveals that rank-and-file Democrats remain largely dissatisfied with their party's direction across the United States in June 2025, despite Democratic candidates securing several victories in recent special elections, as the party continues to struggle with internal morale following President Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election. The poll data indicates a concerning disconnect between electoral success and party enthusiasm among Democratic voters, suggesting that while individual candidates may be winning races, the party apparatus itself has failed to regain favor with its base. Political analysts attribute this persistent negativity to unmet expectations, ideological divisions within the party, and broader dissatisfaction with the current political landscape. The findings come at a critical time as Democrats prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, where maintaining enthusiasm among the base will be crucial for potential gains in Congress and state legislatures across the country.