Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Pew Survey: Americans Frustrated with Both Republican and Democratic Parties
Imagine you have two teams in a game, but many people watching think both teams are playing too wild and crazy.
A recent survey by Pew asked Americans how they feel about the Republican and Democratic parties.
Most people feel that both the Republicans and the Democrats are too extreme in their ideas.
Many also feel frustrated or even angry with both teams.
While Republicans feel more hopeful about their own team, Democrats are feeling more frustrated with theirs.
On some important topics like crime and immigration, many people agree more with the Republicans.
But on things like healthcare and the environment, more people agree with the Democrats.
However, on big issues like the economy, the difference is very small now.
Some people feel like neither team really represents them or their interests.
A Pew survey indicates significant public dissatisfaction with both the Republican and Democratic parties in the U.S.
Majorities of Americans view both the Republican (61%) and Democratic (57%) parties as 'too extreme'.
Trust in the ethical conduct of both parties is low, with 39% for Republicans and 42% for Democrats.
While 69% of Republicans express hope in their party, 67% of Democrats report discontent with their own party.
The Republican party holds policy advantages on crime and immigration, while Democrats lead on healthcare, environment, and abortion; economic policy is closely divided.
- Who
- American voters
- What
- Widespread public dissatisfaction with both Republican and Democratic parties, with majorities viewing each as too extreme and many expressing frustration or anger.
- When
- Leading up to the 2026 American midterm elections.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Perceived extremism of both parties and a vitiated political environment; Democrats also frustrated by perceived failure to push back against the Trump administration.
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Perception of Extremism
Democratic Party
57% of Americans view the Democratic Party as too extreme.
Republican Party
61% of Americans view the Republican Party as too extreme.
Trust in Ethical Conduct
Democratic Party
42% of Americans believe the Democratic Party governs ethically and honestly.
Republican Party
39% of Americans believe the Republican Party governs ethically and honestly.
Policy Advantages
Democratic Party
Democrats retain strong policy advantages on health care, environment/climate, and abortion.
Republican Party
Republicans maintain leads on crime policy and immigration, with a narrow advantage on economic policy.
Internal Base Sentiment
Democratic Party
67% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents report discontent, with 30% feeling angry; frustration attributed to failure to push back against the Trump administration.
Republican Party
69% of Republicans report higher levels of hope regarding their own party.
- Survey Source
- Pew Research Center
- Republican Party Viewed as Extreme
- 61%
- Democratic Party Viewed as Extreme
- 57%
- Trust in GOP Ethical Conduct
- 39%
- Trust in Democratic Ethical Conduct
- 42%
- Republicans Hopeful about Own Party
- 69%
- Democrats Frustrated with Own Party
- 67%