A recent poll from NPR/PBS News/Marist reveals that the Democratic Party holds a significant lead in the 2026 congressional generic ballot, despite a lack of confidence among voters. The survey, conducted from November 10-13, indicates that **55%** of registered voters would support the Democratic candidate in their district, while **41%** would opt for the Republican candidate. Only **3%** of respondents expressed support for candidates from neither major party.
This poll marks the first time in over three years that the Democratic Party has shown a notable advantage in the congressional generic ballot question. Among independent voters, Democrats enjoy a remarkable **33-point lead** over Republicans.
Interestingly, the Democratic Party’s overall confidence rating is low, with only **29%** of registered voters expressing a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in the party. In contrast, **71%** indicated they have “not very much” or “no confidence at all” in the Democrats. The Republican Party fared slightly better, with **35%** of voters expressing confidence, while **65%** reported low confidence levels.
Congressional Confidence Ratings
The poll also highlights a broader discontent with Congress itself. Just **20%** of U.S. voters stated they have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in Congress as a whole, while a staggering **80%** reported low levels of trust.
Recent electoral victories for the Democrats in locations such as **New York City**, **New Jersey**, and **Virginia** on November 4 have provided a boost, according to Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman **Ken Martin**. He noted that these results demonstrate what the party can achieve when it unites and engages with voters effectively.
While the Democrats face challenges, House Republicans, including **Speaker of the House Mike Johnson** and **House Majority Leader Steve Scalise**, have been emphasizing their fundraising advantages. The **National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)** has expressed optimism regarding the GOP’s ability to maintain control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections.
The NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll surveyed **1,443** U.S. adults, utilizing a combination of live phone interviews, text, and online methods. The results carry a margin of error of plus or minus **3.0 percentage points**.
As the political landscape evolves, these findings underscore the complexities of voter behavior leading into the 2026 midterm elections, revealing both opportunities and challenges for both major parties.
