Newark, Del. – On a recent visit to a rest stop named after former President Joe Biden, Democratic voters expressed mixed feelings about their party. Despite frustration and lack of enthusiasm, many plan to vote for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.
Recent national polls highlight a trend where more Democrats than Republicans show intent to vote. According to a YouGov-Economist poll from August, 91% of Democratic registered voters will definitely vote, compared to 79% of Republicans. Democrats’ favorability ratings have seen growth, peaking at 40.5% among Democrats and 30% among independents.
Voter Perspectives
The Washington Post gathered opinions from various voters at the Biden Welcome Center off Interstate 95. Here are their thoughts on the 2026 midterm elections and their expectations from the Democratic Party:
Ronald Makarutsa, a 45-year-old nurse practitioner from Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, emphasized the need for Democrats to present a united front. He noted, “They need to have more of a spine and stand up for one another.”
Linda Bretz, a 79-year-old retiree from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, stressed the importance of engaging young voters and improving the economy. “We need to get more young people involved,” she remarked.
Lindsay Morgan, 43, a restaurant manager in Lancaster, expressed the need for stronger Democratic candidates. She stated, “Democrats need better people to run…they need not to fall so far left that it detracts from some of those Republicans you might capture.”
Dani Wharton, a 34-year-old train conductor trainer from Wilmington, Delaware, expressed indecision about her vote, saying, “We need somebody to take us out of this deep depression that we’re all in.”
Corey Odom, a 48-year-old federal employee from Laurel, Maryland, urged politicians to prioritize the needs of future generations. “You need to move boldly to protect people,” he asserted.
Carlos Roman, a 21-year-old college student in Newark, opted not to vote due to disillusionment, claiming, “The Democratic and Republican Party are just two groups that serve one group, and that collective is the oligarchy.”
Ed Krauland, a 71-year-old attorney from Potomac, Maryland, emphasized the need for Democrats to courageously address undemocratic policies. “Democrats need more courage,” he declared.
Lesley Krauland, 61, a vocational deacon from University Park, Maryland, expected a clear plan from Democrats, questioning, “How are we going to resurrect our institutions that have taken such a serious blow?”
Davon Anderson, 34, a sales director from Blackwood, New Jersey, showed support for candidates with realistic policies, saying, “If we get somebody that’s fair and honest, I would put more backing behind them.”
Ashish Pandy, 39, a driver and nonprofit founder from Queens, expressed uncertainty over party choice, highlighting the importance of addressing issues like hunger and access to a good life.
These varied perspectives showcase the hopes and concerns of Democratic voters as they prepare for the midterm elections.