With the 2026 midterm elections a year away, neither the Republican nor Democratic Party is widely seen as having good ideas. And both are viewed by majorities as too extreme and not governing honestly and ethically:
- 39% of Americans describe the Republican Party as governing ethically and honestly – and about the same share (42%) say this about the Democratic Party.
- Majorities continue to view both parties as too extreme in their positions – though more apply this to the GOP (61%) than the Democratic Party (57%).
Majorities are also frustrated with both parties, and about half say each makes them angry. A Pew Research Center survey of 3,445 U.S. adults conducted Sept. 22-28 (just before the now monthlong government shutdown) also finds that just 36% say the Republican Party makes them feel hopeful, with even fewer (28%) saying this about the Democrats.
Frustration runs particularly high among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, who are frustrated not just with Republicans – who control the White House and both chambers of Congress – but with their own party:
- 67% of Democrats say their own party makes them feel frustrated in the September survey – far higher than the roughly half who said this in 2021 and 2019.
- Asked the main reason for their frustration, the dominant pre-shutdown response of frustrated Democrats (41%) is that the party has not pushed back hard enough against the Trump administration.
In contrast, Republican frustration with the GOP is far lower than in 2021: 40% of Republicans and Republican leaners say they are frustrated with their party. And 69% now say the party makes them feel hopeful.
