Democrats are facing deep pessimism about their party’s future, with just 35% of members expressing optimism, according to a new Associated Press/NORC poll.
The survey, conducted May 1-5 among 1,175 U.S. adults, found that 36% of Democrats are pessimistic, while 29% remain neutral as they grapple with Donald Trump’s historic return to the presidency.
The numbers reflect a sharp drop in Democrat optimism, which stood at 57% in July 2024, before Trump's decisive 2024 election win and the resurgence of his MAGA movement. The poll highlights the significant psychological blow to Democrats, as many struggle to envision a path forward amid Trump’s dominance.
The bleak outlook isn’t limited to Democrat voters. Only 17% of all Americans are optimistic about the Democratic Party’s future, while 49% feel pessimistic. About a third remain neutral.