Voter Dissatisfaction Hits 43% Across Both Major Parties, New Poll Shows

New York Times–Siena poll (May 11-15, 2026) found 43 % of U.S. voters dissatisfied with both Democrats and Republicans. Only 26 % expressed satisfaction with the Democratic Party and 33 % with the Republican Party. The poll covers attitudes ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

New York Times

Survey respondents note that a majority of voters have not believed the country was moving in the right direction for almost 25 years. Trust in government and other institutions remains near historic lows, and recent high-profile political violence has heightened public alienation. These trends underscore a deepening crisis of confidence in democratic institutions.

New York Times

Discontent is strongest among voters under 30, with nearly two-thirds reporting dissatisfaction with both parties. This cohort also shows the highest rate of independent identification; a Gallup report cited by the poll places independents at a three-decade high, and younger voters appear likely to retain that status as they age.

New York Times

The 43 % cross-party dissatisfaction creates strategic challenges for Democrats and Republicans. Both parties risk lower turnout among disaffected voters and may face stronger support for independent or third-party candidates. The poll notes that the environment offers “better conditions for such efforts” to reshape party structures, though reforms encounter “stiff headwinds.” These dynamics will shape campaign tactics for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race.

New York Times

Election officials will conduct the 2026 midterm elections later this year, providing the first empirical test of how the high dissatisfaction rate translates into voter turnout. Party leaders have signaled plans to recalibrate messaging to address alienation, while political analysts will monitor any surge in independent or third-party candidacies. The poll’s findings are expected to shape strategic discussions throughout the 2026-2028 election cycle.

New York Times

• “Forty-three percent of voters are dissatisfied with both major political parties, according to arecent New York Times/Siena poll— the latest sign that the frustration that has built over the last decade will continue to roil American politics for the foreseeable future.” — New York Times/Siena poll, May 2026

New York Times

• “It has been nearly a quarter-century since a majority of voters thought the country was headed in the right direction.” — New York Times/Siena poll, May 2026

New York Times

• “Trust in the governmentand many other institutions remains near all-time lows, and there have been several recent high-profile incidents ofpolitical violence.” — New York Times/Siena poll, May 2026

New York Times

• “By The New York Times Alienation is felt most intensely among younger voters; nearly two-thirds of respondents under the age of 30 expressed dissatisfaction with both parties.” — New York Times/Siena poll, May 2026

New York Times