Democrats have been saying that 2026 will be their comeback year. That’s not in the cards right now.
As the Democrat Party was just dealt a final coup de grace and the Party is toast.
Democrats’ Grip on America Slips as Republicans Surge in Public Favor
The Democratic Party’s once-ironclad hold on the American public’s trust is crumbling, and fast. For decades, Democrats leaned on their reputation as the party that championed the everyday person, but fresh data paints a grim picture for them. According to CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten, Republicans are catching up in a way that’s nothing short of historic, fueled by President Donald Trump’s bold tariff policies and a shifting tide of public sentiment. The Democrats’ slide in favorability isn’t just a blip—it’s a warning sign of deeper trouble ahead.
A recent Quinnipiac poll, conducted after Trump’s tariffs took effect, reveals a stunning tie between Democrats and Republicans at 33% each when Americans were asked which party “cares more for the needs of people.” This marks the first time in over three decades that Democrats haven’t led on this question. To put that in perspective, Democrats enjoyed a commanding 19-point lead as recently as 1994. Even in 2005, they were ahead by 23 points, and in 2017, they still held a 13-point edge. Now, that advantage has vanished entirely.
“This to me is the most shocking pieces of poll data that I truthfully have seen this year, maybe in any prior year,” Enten said. “Because I want you to take a look, ‘cares more for the needs of people like you.’ You mention we’ve got a tie even after this whole tariff war had already started, split between Democrats and Republicans about people feel which party cares more for needs of people like you. And why is that so surprising? Because I want you to take a look at prior years. Democrats always lead on this question.”
The erosion of Democratic support isn’t happening across the board—it’s most pronounced among Americans without college degrees. Back in 2017, Democrats held a seven-point lead among this group. Fast forward to today, and Republicans have flipped that script, now leading by nine points. This demographic, long considered a cornerstone of the Democratic base, is increasingly turning away from a party that seems out of touch with their daily struggles. The tariffs, aimed at bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., appear to resonate with these voters, even as Democrats scramble to counter the narrative.
Enten’s analysis doesn’t stop at public perception. He points to aggregate polling suggesting Republicans could defy historical trends in the 2026 midterm elections. Typically, the party in power loses ground during midterms, but the numbers tell a different story this time. In April 2017, Democrats led by seven points on a generic ballot. By 2024, the parties were tied. Now, Democrats cling to a razor-thin one-point lead, a precarious position that could spell disaster if current trends hold.
“If Democrats think they automatically have a ticket back to control of the House, I’d say hold on a second, Republicans still have a shot at this despite all of Trump’s theatrics over the last month with this tariff war,” Enten said. His warning underscores a reality Democrats can’t ignore: their path to reclaiming power is far from guaranteed, and public opinion is tilting against them.
Trump’s tariffs, while sparking some stock market volatility, haven’t dented Republican momentum. The Dow’s massive 2,962-point rebound on Wednesday signaled resilience, and voters seem to be giving Trump credit for prioritizing American workers. The tariffs aim to level the playing field in global trade, and for many, they symbolize a commitment to restoring economic opportunity at home. This message is cutting through, even as Democrats struggle to articulate a compelling alternative.
Economic indicators are also working against the Democrats’ narrative of failure. Inflation, a persistent thorn in the side of the Biden administration, is finally cooling. The Consumer Price Index rose just 2.4% in March, the lowest since 2020, while the Producer Price Index dropped 0.4%. These numbers suggest Trump’s policies are stabilizing prices, a stark contrast to the record-high inflation that defined Biden’s tenure. For Americans weary of rising costs, this progress is hard to dismiss.
On immigration, another issue where Democrats have faltered, Trump is delivering results that resonate. His promise of mass deportations has translated into action, with Border Patrol reporting just 7,180 crossings in March—the lowest on record along the U.S.-Mexico border. This crackdown is winning over voters who feel Democrats turned a blind eye to border security, further eroding the party’s credibility.
The Democrats’ decline in favorability isn’t just about policy missteps—it’s about a growing disconnect with the people they claim to represent. While Republicans, led by Trump’s unapologetic agenda, are gaining ground, Democrats appear stuck in a cycle of defensiveness and disarray. The tied polling on who cares more for everyday Americans isn’t just a statistic; it’s a signal that the party’s identity as the champion of the working class is fading.
As the 2026 midterms loom, Democrats face an uphill battle to reverse this slide. Republicans, riding a wave of economic wins and policy victories, are capitalizing on the moment. If Democrats can’t find a way to reconnect with voters—and fast—their fall from favor could become a defining feature of American politics for years to come.
The Conservative Column will keep you informed on any breaking news ahead of the 2026 elections.
