The following is from Gallup News.

Democrats have regained a slim lead in party affiliation after Republicans led through most of 2023 and 2024, according to a new Gallup poll.

The shift comes even as the Democratic Party’s image is at a record low and slightly worse than that of the Republican Party. Americans are also no more likely to say Democrats are better than Republicans at managing the federal government or bringing about the changes the country needs.

In the second quarter of 2025, 46% of US adults say they are Democrats or lean Democratic, while 43% say they are Republicans or lean Republican.

The three-point lead for Democrats compares with a tie in the first quarter and a four-point Republican lead in late 2024. Most of the recent movement comes from independents saying they lean Democratic, while the share of Americans identifying as Democrats has declined slightly.

Despite the lead, Democrats remain deeply unpopular. Only 34% of Americans say they view the party favorably, the lowest Gallup has ever recorded. By comparison, 38% say they view the Republican Party favorably.

Even among their own, support is slipping. Just 73% of Democrats say they view their party positively, down from 87% last year.

Among independents, only 27% say they view Democrats favorably, near a historic low. Republicans are not much stronger with independents, at 28%.

Americans also express doubts about the party’s performance. Thirty-five percent (35%) say Democrats can manage the federal government effectively, compared to 36% who say Republicans can.

When asked about bringing the changes the country needs, 37% say Democrats can, while 42% say Republicans can.

Historically, the party that controls the presidency and Congress often loses supporters early in the first term, as has happened in multiple past administrations. Democrats’ current lead is built on soft support from independents, which could shift quickly if political attitudes change.

For more information, read the full article here.