CNN’s chief data analyst Harry Enten said the Democratic Party’s approval rating has fallen to historic lows, placing congressional Democrats in their worst position on record. Citing a recent Quinnipiac University national poll, Enten said Democratic approval is now “lower than the Dead Sea.” The poll shows Democrats in Congress with a net approval rating of minus 55 points overall, dropping to minus 61 among independent voters. Even Democratic voters have turned more negative, with approval at minus 6 points—a sharp 28-point decline since October.
The polling comes as both parties look toward the 2026 midterm elections, when control of Congress will be at stake. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers. Historically, the party not holding the White House often performs well in midterms, and despite the grim numbers, Enten noted Democrats could still regain control. The survey found only 18 percent of voters approve of Democrats’ performance in Congress, while 73 percent disapprove, the lowest rating Quinnipiac has ever recorded.
Still, the poll showed Democrats narrowly leading on a generic House ballot, 47 percent to 43 percent. Analysts say recent Democratic wins in local races offer some hope, but warn that unless approval improves, the 2026 midterms could become a contest between two unpopular parties.