Frustration with Both Parties Runs High Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Strategic Insights -

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a majority of Americans express frustration with both the Republican and Democratic parties, with many feeling that these parties have not adequately represented their interests. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 67% of Democrats say their own party makes them feel frustrated, with the primary reason being that the party has not pushed back hard enough against the Trump administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • 67% of Democrats say their party makes them feel frustrated, with 41% citing a lack of pushback against the Trump administration as the main reason.
  • 40% of Republicans and Republican leaners say they are frustrated with their party, with 69% saying the party makes them feel hopeful.
  • 42% of Americans say the Republican Party represents people like them at least somewhat well, while 40% say the same about the Democratic Party.
  • About a quarter of Americans (24%) say neither party represents their interests particularly well.
  • 46% of Americans say that the Republican Party has a better approach to crime policy, while 28% say the Democratic Party does.
  • The Democratic Party continues to hold advantages on policies concerning health care, the environment, climate, abortion, and race.
  • A quarter of Americans say they agree with neither party on policies affecting people who are lesbian, gay, and transgender.

Statistics:

  • 67% of Democrats say their party makes them feel frustrated.
  • 41% of frustrated Democrats cite a lack of pushback against the Trump administration as the main reason for their frustration.
  • 40% of Republicans and Republican leaners say they are frustrated with their party.
  • 69% of Republicans and Republican leaners say the party makes them feel hopeful.
  • 42% of Americans say the Republican Party represents people like them at least somewhat well.
  • 40% of Americans say the same about the Democratic Party.
  • 24% of Americans say neither party represents their interests particularly well.
  • 46% of Americans say the Republican Party has a better approach to crime policy.
  • 28% of Americans say the Democratic Party does.
  • 45% of Americans agree with the Republican Party on policies to deal with crime, while 28% agree with the Democratic Party.
  • 44% of Americans agree with the Republican Party on immigration policy, while 35% agree with the Democratic Party.

Sources:

  • Pew Research Center, "A Year Ahead of the Midterms, Americans' Dim Views of Both Parties" (published September 2025)
  • Pew Research Center, "American Trends Panel (ATP) Methodology"
  • Pew Research Center, "Topline Questions and Survey Methodology"