Majority Of Democrats Say Party Leadership Is Failing, Demand New Blood Heading Into 2026

The Democrat Party is facing growing pressure from within as a new poll shows a clear majority of its voters want change at the top.

Democrats are still reeling after Kamala Harris lost to President Donald Trump in November, and the fallout is forcing a reckoning within the party. A new poll reveals just how deep the frustration runs.

According to the poll, 62% of self-identified Democrats believe that “the leadership of the Democratic Party should be replaced with new people.” Just 24% disagreed, while the rest were either unsure or declined to respond.

With the 2026 midterms on the horizon and no clear frontrunner for the 2028 presidential race, party leaders now face mounting pressure to find fresh faces and new direction. The poll makes one thing clear: the base wants change, and they want it soon.

In contrast, just 30% of Republicans said their party needs a leadership shakeup—a sign that GOP voters, under President Trump’s renewed leadership, appear more unified heading into the 2026 midterms.

The poll also points to a disconnect between Democratic leaders and their base on key issues. Less than one in five Democratic voters surveyed said transgender athletes in women’s sports should be a party priority. Yet more than a quarter believe party leadership treats it like a top issue.

Even among traditionally loyal Democratic voters, there’s growing frustration over the party’s focus. Concerns over inflation, the cost of living, and public safety remain top-of-mind for many, while some feel their leaders are distracted by cultural flashpoints.

“This recent polling data indicates Democrats have room for improvement on criticizing Trump on the economy and making it clear to voters that Democrats are the ones standing up for working people,” said Ben Tulchin, who served as pollster for Bernie Sanders during both of his presidential runs.

Minneapolis Democrat Boland echoed that sentiment, saying the party can’t keep relying on fear of the other side to win elections. “It needs to transform itself into a party that everyday people can get excited about,” he said. “That requires a changing of the guard.”

The poll uncovered a disconnect between Democratic voters and their party’s leadership, especially when it comes to campaign finance.

While 73% of Democrats said limiting corporate spending in politics is a top priority, only 58% believed party leaders actually treat it that way. The gap suggests growing skepticism among the base about whether leadership is truly aligned with their concerns.

This isn’t the first time the party has faced internal criticism. In recent months, multiple polls have highlighted concerns about whether Democratic leadership is effectively addressing the issues that matter most to voters. Some high-profile voices within the party have even acknowledged that regaining ground in 2026 will be an uphill climb.

Meanwhile, Republicans are heading into the next cycle with renewed momentum. President Trump continues to rally support across key battleground states, and polling suggests his America First platform is resonating beyond the traditional GOP base.

With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, leadership on the Left may soon have to make a choice between staying the course or handing the reins to a new generation.