Basically, Americans have a love-hate relationship with Congress. Mostly hate. It’s kind of the national pastime at this point, right? We complain about the gridlock, the posturing, and the fact that they can't seem to agree on what day of the week it is. But late last year, things hit a level of "bad" that actually made historians double-check their spreadsheets.
In November 2025, the overall lowest congress approval rating of the year dipped to a staggering 12% in Gallup’s tracking. That is essentially rock bottom. For context, that’s about the same percentage of people who think the moon landing was faked. You’ve got a better chance of finding someone who enjoys a root canal than finding someone who thinks Congress is doing a bang-up job right now.
Why the Lowest Congress Approval Rating is More Than Just a Number
So, what actually happened? Why did everyone suddenly decide the Capitol was a lost cause? Honestly, it wasn't just one thing. It was a "perfect storm" of a federal government shutdown that dragged on far too long and a relentless focus on affordability. People are tired. When you're paying $6 for a loaf of bread and the people you elected are arguing about committee assignments instead of grocery prices, you get grumpy.
According to data from the Marist Poll in late 2025, about 80% of Americans had "not very much" or "no confidence at all" in the legislature. That’s a massive number. It’s not just "the other guys" anymore either. Even within their own ranks, the parties are seeing their support crumble. By December 2025, Gallup found that only 49% of Democrats approved of their own party’s performance in Congress. That is a historic low for them. Usually, partisan loyalty acts as a floor, but that floor just fell through.
The 9% Ghost of 2013
Whenever we talk about the lowest congress approval rating, we have to mention November 2013. That is the "Gold Medal of Awful." It was the 9% mark. That was during the aftermath of another government shutdown and the messy rollout of the Affordable Care Act.
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We aren't quite there yet in early 2026, but we are hovering in the "danger zone" of 13% to 17%. Historically, when Congress stays below 40% for a long time, the midterm elections turn into a bloodbath. Since we are heading into the 2026 midterms, incumbents are—to put it mildly—freaking out.
The Weird Paradox of the 2026 Midterms
Here is the part that makes no sense. You’d think with such a low rating, everyone would want to fire their own representative. Nope. There is this weird psychological quirk where voters hate "Congress" but mostly tolerate "their guy."
Gallup’s October 2025 data showed that while only 21% of people thought most members of Congress deserved reelection, 48% thought their specific representative deserved to stay. It’s the "my kid is an angel, but the school is a mess" logic.
Why do people keep voting for them?
- Gerrymandering: Districts are drawn so safely that most reps don't fear a general election; they only fear a primary from someone even more extreme.
- The "Lesser of Two Evils" Trap: Even if you hate your representative, if the other person is from the "wrong" party, you'll still pull the lever for the person you don't like.
- Money: The incumbency advantage is basically a financial fortress.
What's Really Driving the Current Numbers?
If you ask the average person on the street why they're mad at Washington, they won't give you a policy paper. They'll talk about the "vibes." The vibes are bad.
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A December 2025 Quinnipiac University poll found that the two most urgent issues were the economy and "preserving democracy." Both sides are using that second phrase, but they mean completely different things by it. This creates a feedback loop. Republicans are mad because they think the government is overreaching; Democrats are mad because they think the government isn't doing enough to protect rights. The result? Everyone hates the building where the decisions are supposed to happen.
By the end of 2025, Congressional Democrats hit a record low of 18% approval in some polls. That's the lowest Quinnipiac has ever recorded in 16 years of asking. Meanwhile, Republicans aren't exactly winning popularity contests either, sitting around 35%.
The Shutdown Hangover
The 2025 shutdown was a major catalyst. It wasn't just about the optics; it was about the tangible failure to do the one job Congress has: fund the government. Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index plummeted to -33 in December. When people feel the economy is "poor" (and 47% did by year's end), they look for someone to blame. Congress is the easiest target.
It’s Not Just a US Problem, But We’re Winning the Race to the Bottom
The OECD’s "Government at a Glance" report for 2025 suggests that trust in government is falling globally. However, the U.S. is a special case. We have reached a point where only 17% of Americans trust the government in Washington to do what is right "just about always" or "most of the time," according to Pew Research Center.
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Compare that to the 1950s when that number was near 75%. We have seen a steady, agonizing slide over seven decades. It’s not a "Trump thing" or a "Biden thing." It’s a systemic rot in the perceived competence of the institution itself.
How We Move Forward (Or Try To)
Is there a way out? Maybe. But it's not going to come from a catchy slogan. People want competence. They want to see that the government can actually perform basic tasks like passing a budget without a crisis or lowering the price of milk.
If you’re looking for actionable ways to navigate this political climate or just want to be a more informed voter as we head into the 2026 cycle, keep these points in mind:
- Look past the generic ballot. Polling shows Democrats actually have a 14-point lead on the 2026 generic ballot (55% to 41%) despite their low approval. This means people might hate the party brand but still prefer it over the alternative.
- Focus on local results. While trust in Congress is at 32%, trust in local government remains much higher (around 67%). Real change often starts with the people who manage your trash pickup and school boards, not the ones on cable news.
- Demand transparency over rhetoric. The Cornell Brooks Public Policy school found that "good government" to most Americans means transparency and accountability. Support candidates who prioritize open data and clear communication over partisan "wins."
- Watch the "middle." Independents are the ones who ultimately drive these approval ratings. In late 2025, only 12% of independents approved of the Republican-led Congress. If you want to see where the wind is blowing, watch the independent voters in your district.
The lowest congress approval rating we’re seeing right now is a warning light on the dashboard. It’s telling us the engine is overheating. Whether the 2026 elections act as a coolant or just add more fuel to the fire remains to be seen. But for now, the American public has made one thing very clear: they are not impressed.