The latest Quinnipiac poll shows congressional Democrats with an 18% approval rating and 73% disapproval — the lowest reading since 2009. The drop follows a 43-day shutdown and a contentious deal by eight Senate Democrats that angered progressives. Both parties have weak approval ratings, and cost-of-living concerns remain a top voter priority. The survey was conducted Dec. 11–15 with 1,035 registered voters (±3.9 points).
Quinnipiac Poll: Congressional Democrats’ Approval Falls to Lowest Level Since 2009
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday finds just 18% of likely voters approve of the job congressional Democrats are doing, while 73% disapprove — the lowest approval reading Quinnipiac has recorded since it began asking the question in 2009.
Key Findings
The steep decline follows a 43-day federal government shutdown that ended when eight Senate Democrats agreed to a deal to reopen government without a long-term solution to preserve Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. That agreement sparked backlash from progressives and drew sharp criticism aimed at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Among self-identified Democrats, approval of congressional Democrats has fallen to 42%, with 48% disapproving. By contrast, in October nearly 60% of Democrats approved of their party’s congressional performance while 36% disapproved. Republicans in Congress also remain unpopular in the survey: 35% approve and 58% disapprove.
When asked about control of the U.S. House if midterms were held today, 47% said they would prefer Democrats to win control versus 43% who preferred Republicans.
Voter Concerns
Economic worries remain a leading issue. More than six in 10 respondents called the rising cost of living a "very serious" problem, including 63% of independents; nearly three in 10 described it as a "somewhat serious" problem. The poll notes inflation stood at 3% in September — the same rate reported in January.
The poll was conducted Dec. 11–15 by phone with 1,035 self-identified registered voters and carries a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.
Political Context
Democrats point to recent off-year victories in New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia and Florida as evidence they can compete in upcoming federal contests, arguing cost-of-living concerns helped fuel those wins. However, the low approval numbers underscore internal tensions within the Democratic coalition and lingering voter dissatisfaction with Congress overall.
Methodology: Quinnipiac University conducted the poll by phone from Dec. 11–15 with 1,035 self-identified registered voters. Margin of error: ±3.9 percentage points.
