Democrats need to track down Jamaal Bowman right away. It’s time for someone to pull a fire alarm and remind them that, at least when it comes to the Senate, they don’t have the midterms under control—not even close. The party of resistance faces a challenging road ahead if they want to reclaim that chamber in the 2026 midterms.
Although they currently hold a modest six-point lead in the generic congressional ballot, this edge is considered “historically low” for the opposing party when a Republican occupies the White House. According to CNN’s data expert Harry Enten, these figures are significantly below the eight-point advantage Democrats had in 2018 and the eleven-point lead they enjoyed in 2006.
“Yeah, Democrats are ahead, but they’re only ahead by five with a president whose net approval rating is bordering on -20 to -30, depending on what polls you look at,” he explained to Anchor John Berman. “You’d make the argument Democrats should be way ahead. And they’re just only sort of, slightly ahead.”
What’s more, he said, it’s Republicans who lead in overall net favorability, and by 5 points.
It’s fascinating to observe how people in legacy media are often perplexed or confused about why Democrats don’t have more support among the American public, especially since, in their view, President Trump is seen as an abomination. They seem to overlook the fact that their own party is the real abomination. Despite the constant news coverage that aims to elevate Democrats and diminish the President’s reputation, they simply aren’t well-liked by average Americans.
Enten went on to highlight that those initial numbers were merely the icing on the cake. When it comes to net favorables, the situation for the Democrats is even more dire.
“The Democrats might need a bigger lead than they have now if the Senate is really in play. What else is going on now for the Democrats that maybe should cause them concern? … Why is that generic congressional ballot lead so low?” he asked.
“Because just take a look at this, net favorability, party ahead at this point, midterm years with a GOP president,” the energetic numbers guy explained. “In 2018, Dems were up by 12. In 2006, on net favorability, which party you like more, Dems are ahead by 18. Republicans are actually ahead on net favorability at this point by five points.”
Wow. Even though neither side enjoys significant popularity, the Democrats are still trailing the GOP—despite the prevalent media bias, the frustration aimed at Trump and his immigration policies, and the “nO kInGs” demonstrations, which are a complete joke.
This is a five-alarm fire for Democrats in swing states.
CNN: "Democrats are, just simply put, running behind their previous benchmark."pic.twitter.com/2uHiZagDrb
— Delanie Bomar (@DelanieBomar) April 6, 2026
Newsweek reports that the new polling should be a “warning” to Democrats and notes the numbers “continue showing Democrats are not particularly popular among the electorate—largely due to frustration from their own voters.”
It will be challenging to energize voters and get them to the polls on Election Day, especially for those living Democrats who plan to vote that day, when your own supporters can’t even stand you. It’s no surprise that the Democratic National Committee, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are panicky over President Trump’s executive order targeting mail-in voting and the SAVE America Act.
CNN: Democrats' approval of their leaders is at a historic low.
"Even Democrats don't like their own leaders when it comes to Congress, and overall, of course, the numbers are just absolutely awful." pic.twitter.com/niPzEM3U5K
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 2, 2026
It’s still uncertain whether these numbers will result in actual election outcomes. Many Democratic voters might reluctantly support the party just to oppose the President. However, the idea that Democrats are guaranteed a clean sweep in both chambers of Congress is definitely not apparent.
