"Democrats favored by 'double haters' as many Americans express frustration with both parties ahead of midterms"

As midterm elections approach, a growing number of Americans express frustration with both major parties, yet Democratic candidates gain an edge among voters critical of both sides, signaling a potential shift in the electoral landscape.

A recent survey conducted by CNN in partnership with SSRS highlights significant disapproval among Americans toward both the Democratic and Republican parties. As the nation approaches the midterm elections, voter attitudes indicate that many citizens are choosing candidates based on opposition to one party rather than strong support for another. Early indicators show the Democratic Party currently holds an advantage in this dynamic.

Double Haters: Impact on Upcoming Midterms

Approximately 25% of the population identifies as holding negative opinions of both major political parties, a group often referred to as “double haters.” Within this group, Democratic candidates are favored over Republicans by a margin of 31 points. Historically, voters with unfavorable views of both parties have had a significant influence in national elections. In 2016, these voters contributed to Donald Trump’s victory, while in 2022, when over half of voters expressed dissatisfaction with both parties, exit polls suggest double-hater voters leaned toward Republican candidates. In the current cycle, this group’s preference for Democrats is primarily driven by opposition to the GOP rather than enthusiasm for Democratic policies.

Current Party Favorability

Only 28% of Americans express a favorable view of the Democratic Party, while 32% view the Republican Party positively. Party members tend to rate their own party more favorably than the general public. Comparing these figures to the midterm elections during Donald Trump’s first term, both he and the Democratic Party show declines in popularity. Trump’s approval rating currently stands at 35%, down seven points from the equivalent period in 2018. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party’s net favorability has shifted from near parity in 2018 to nearly 30 points negative. Republican ratings remain strongly negative in both time frames. Among registered voters, Democrats hold a current six-point lead over Republican candidates in hypothetical Congressional elections.

Reasons for Party Discontent

Voters identifying as double haters provide distinct criticisms for each party. Regarding the Democratic Party, 22% view it as inactive or ineffective, 11% believe it does not challenge Trump or the GOP sufficiently, 10% consider it too liberal, 9% describe it as weak or spineless, and another 9% perceive it as indifferent to public concerns. Criticism of the Republican Party includes 14% citing failure to oppose Trump, 10% seeing the party as uncaring toward citizens, 8% holding general negative views of Trump, and 8% labeling the party corrupt. Independent respondents emphasize a lack of compromise and persistent political division.

Democratic Base Shows Stronger Motivation

Despite internal dissent, the Democratic Party demonstrates higher voter motivation than the GOP, largely driven by anti-Trump sentiment. Democratic-leaning voters are 17 points more likely than Republicans to report being extremely motivated to vote. They are also 14 points less likely to view their own party favorably. This pattern reflects broader midterm trends, in which voters often oppose the party controlling the presidency when it is unpopular. Over 75% of Democratic midterm voters cite opposition to Trump as a primary motivator, while only about 50% of Republican voters report Trump as their main reason to vote. Among Democrats, 44% are primarily motivated by opposition to the Republican candidate.

Congressional Leadership Approval Ratings

Leaders of both parties in Congress remain largely unpopular. Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer hold negative ratings, with Schumer at a net minus-32 overall and minus-4 among Democrats. Republican leaders Mike Johnson and John Thune maintain net positive ratings within the party, though Thune is relatively unknown to the broader public.

Internal Party Divisions

Party supporters generally perceive their own parties as more united than divided. Only about one-third of Democratic-aligned adults consider the party mostly divided, while 19% of Republican-aligned adults view the GOP similarly. However, internal disagreements exist: 72% of Democrats cite U.S. policy toward Israel as a divisive issue, roughly two-thirds point to disagreements over priorities and ideology, and 58% note tension regarding cooperation with Trump. Within the Republican Party, 54% identify internal focus issues, 52% note ideological and anti-Trump disagreements, and 47% cite Israel policy divisions. Younger and moderate Republicans are more likely to perceive these divides, with voter motivation among those under 45 particularly low at 33% reporting being extremely motivated to vote.

Poll Methodology

The CNN-SSRS poll collected responses online and by phone from March 26 to March 30, surveying 1,201 randomly selected adults. The margin of error for this survey is 3.2 percentage points.

Sources:

• CNN
• The Hill
• Politico
• Many Americans are mad at both parties. Those ‘double haters’ favor the Democrats in the midterms

Author: Logan Reeves
Logan Reeves is a sports analyst and journalist. He writes match reviews, conducts athlete interviews, and produces data-driven predictions.