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Poll Shows Democratic Party, Top Candidates Deeply Unpopular
Voters express strong dislike for Democrats, AI, Iran in new survey
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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A new NBC News poll has found that the Democratic Party and its potential 2028 presidential candidates are deeply unpopular with voters. The poll of 1,000 registered voters showed the Democratic Party itself is more unpopular than even ICE and AI. Potential candidates like Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom also polled very poorly, with Harris at -17 and Newsom at -18 on favorability. The only Democrat who fared relatively better was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at -11. The poll results suggest a growing distrust of the Democratic Party among the electorate.
Why it matters
These poll results indicate a significant image problem for the Democratic Party and its potential future leaders. With the 2028 presidential election still years away, the deep unpopularity of the party and its prospective candidates could make it difficult for Democrats to regain the White House, even if the current Republican administration faces challenges. The findings also suggest growing skepticism among voters toward certain policy positions associated with the Democratic Party, like on issues like immigration and technology.
The details
The NBC News poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters via telephone and text message, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points. In addition to the Democratic Party's overall -20 favorability rating, the poll found that potential 2028 candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris (-17) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (-18) were also deeply underwater with voters. The only Democrat who polled relatively better was Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at -11. By comparison, figures like JD Vance (-11) and Marco Rubio (-7) fared better than the Democrats. The poll also found that AI technology (-20) and the ongoing conflict with Iran (-22) were even more unpopular concepts with voters than the Democratic Party.
- The NBC News poll was conducted in March 2026.
The players
Kamala Harris
The current Vice President of the United States and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.
Gavin Newsom
The current Governor of California and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
A Democratic Congresswoman who polled relatively better than other potential 2028 candidates.
JD Vance
A Republican figure who polled better than the Democratic candidates.
Marco Rubio
A Republican figure who polled better than the Democratic candidates.
What they’re saying
“This wouldn't have happened under her watch.”
— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (X)
The takeaway
The deep unpopularity of the Democratic Party and its potential future leaders, as shown in this poll, suggests significant challenges ahead for the party in regaining voter trust and confidence. The findings indicate a growing skepticism toward Democratic policies and positions, which could make it difficult for the party to retake the White House in 2028 even if the current Republican administration faces headwinds.
