A new AP-NORC poll shows Democratic Party favorability sits around 70% among Democrats, down from 85% in late 2024 to about 67% in late 2025, signaling lingering frustration despite recent wins in special elections.

The AP-NORC findings are situated within the broader 2026 midterm context as parties vie to hold or win congressional majorities.

Upcoming early-March primaries feature races in North Carolina and Texas, including notable contests like Jasmine Crockett versus John Cornyn and Georgia's race involving Jon Ossoff, with Keisha Lance Bottoms leading in the governor’s primary polls.

Across domestic and global reporting, the thread is a polarized, unsettled political landscape with shifting party perceptions and ongoing policy skirmishes.

The poll surveyed 1,156 adults from February 5–8, 2026, with margins of error of about 3.9 points overall and 6 points for Democrats, providing a snapshot of mood as midterms approach.

Trump retains a largely unfavorable public image, which factors into the evolving dynamics of party perception and messaging.

Litigation and regulatory battles persist over environmental policy, including challenges to the EPA’s endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and related climate regulation efforts.

National sentiment remains broadly negative toward both parties, with roughly a quarter of Americans viewing either party unfavorably, and independents plus adults under 45 showing stronger double-negativity.

The political landscape is further shaped by international and domestic moves, including Trump-era dynamics, Gaza diplomacy, and ongoing debates over environmental regulation and ICE/DHS policy.

Intra-party policy debates continue, notably calls to reform ICE and adjust DHS funding as part of broader border and security policy discussions.

Fox News coverage frames the poll results, with links to the AP-NORC topline and related context.

Melania Trump’s public profile persists in cultural moments, such as donating her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian, underscoring continuing public interest around the former president’s circle.