Bad Numbers for Newsom and Harris Among Democrats
A recent NBC News poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted Feb. 27 to March 3 found surprisingly low favorability for California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris even inside their own party. Only 52 percent of Democrats said they view Newsom positively while Harris did better at 67 percent among Democrats. Those are not the kinds of inside-the-tent numbers you want if you are eyeing a national run. If half the people in your own party are unsure or negative about you then winning over the rest of the country gets a lot harder.
Other Democrats Also Struggling With Voters
The poll showed that New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez had stronger standing with Democrats than Newsom, landing near two thirds favorable among her party. That highlights a split inside the Democratic coalition where some figures hold core support while others do not. Across the broader electorate both Newsom and Harris had weak showings. Harris was 34 percent favorable and 51 percent unfavorable with all voters. Newsom trailed at 27 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable. Those are steep hills to climb for any national campaign.
Republicans Show Stronger In-Party Ratings
Republican voters rated their party and top figures more positively in the NBC poll. The GOP had a 37 percent favorable rating among all voters compared to 30 percent for Democrats. Republican voters gave their party a 77 percent favorable rating while just 62 percent of Democrats felt the same about theirs. The poll also showed a strong favorability for Republican figure J.D. Vance among Republicans at 77 percent. That kind of in-party unity matters when it comes time to choose nominees and get out the vote.
What The Numbers Mean for 2028 and Midterms
Polling aggregates such as RealClearPolitics show Republicans with a net favorability edge of about six points even as Democrats lead by a few points on the generic 2026 midterm ballot. That split tells a clear story voters do not like both parties for different reasons. Democrats struggle with their national bench and individual leaders while many voters also say they dislike how Republicans in Congress have performed. For conservatives this means opportunity but also a reminder that winning still requires clear messaging and accountability.
Why This Matters for Voters and Candidates
Weak favorability for top Democrats is not just bad headline fodder. It affects fundraising, media momentum, and the ability to attract undecided voters. Candidates who are viewed poorly within their own party face steeper primary fights and harder general election paths. For Republican voters this poll is encouraging because it shows stronger loyalty in the GOP ranks. For Democrats the poll is a warning that name recognition alone will not convert skeptical voters into enthusiastic supporters.
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