A new national poll is drawing attention to a trend that could matter locally: many Democratic voters remain dissatisfied with their own party more than a year after the 2024 election. The findings, first reported by MyNorthwest, come from an Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey conducted February 5–8, 2026.

According to the poll, only about seven in ten Democrats hold a positive view of their party. That level of support remains significantly lower than before the 2024 election, when 85% of Democrats expressed favorable views. The survey highlights a sustained decline that began immediately after Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

Although national sentiment does not map cleanly onto local voting behavior, the trend may resonate in Cowlitz County. Party‑affiliated enthusiasm often shapes turnout in down‑ballot races, including county commission, school board, and legislative races along the I‑5 corridor. Southwest Washington’s political environment has grown more competitive over the past decade, and fluctuations in national party perception can influence engagement levels among local volunteers, donors, and precinct‑level organizers.

Broader polling from Gallup shows a similar decline. In its long‑running party favorability measure, Democrats’ positive views dropped about 12 percentage points last year, marking a historic low for the question. The Gallup findings are available through Gallup’s published report. Pew Research Center reported comparable frustration in fall 2025, noting that roughly two‑thirds of Democrats said their party made them feel “frustrated,” a figure far higher than among Republicans. Pew’s analysis can be found in its October 2025 report at Pew Research Center.

The AP‑NORC survey also shows that Americans remain broadly skeptical of both major political parties. About one‑quarter of respondents expressed negative views of both parties, with independents and younger adults especially disillusioned. For local races — where nonaffiliated voters frequently determine outcomes — that level of negative sentiment may produce unpredictable engagement patterns.

Despite those concerns for Democrats, the poll identifies health care as an area where the party continues to hold a national advantage. Thirty‑five percent of U.S. adults said they trust Democrats more on health care policy, compared to 23% who trust Republicans. That issue consistently ranks among the top concerns for Southwest Washington residents, particularly regarding premium costs, provider shortages, and hospital access across Cowlitz County.

However, Republicans have lost some ground on core economic and immigration issues without Democrats gaining corresponding trust. A growing share of respondents said they trust “neither” party to address economic conditions — a sentiment that mirrors local uncertainty about affordability, wages, and cost‑of‑living pressures.

According to AP‑NORC, the February survey included 1,156 adults and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points for the overall sample.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington

Midterm‑year turnout in Cowlitz County often hinges less on ideological shifts and more on enthusiasm — who feels motivated to participate and who stays home. If national Democratic dissatisfaction persists, it may influence local campaign strategies, volunteer capacity, and voter outreach throughout the Longview–Kelso area. At the same time, widespread frustration with both parties suggests that independents may continue to be the most unpredictable bloc in upcoming county and legislative races.

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