GALLOWAY, NJ — A recent Stockton University Poll reveals plummeting approval ratings for Congress, with the GOP taking a notable hit from its own base. Only 13% of New Jersey adults approve of Congress, while nearly 80% disapprove.
Conducted by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, the survey shows Democrats and Republicans sharply divided in their assessments of their own parties.
“As a government shutdown looms, wars rage and chaos reigned as the House selected a new speaker, New Jersey voters are disgusted with Congress, and even Republicans disapprove of how the GOP majority is functioning, according to a Stockton University Poll released today.” the center said in a public statement.
Among Democrats, 67% approved of how their party is handling its Congressional duties, whereas only 46% of Republicans approved of their party’s performance. Independents displayed a marked disapproval of both parties, with 67% disapproving of Democrats and 76% disapproving of Republicans.
John Froonjian, director of the Hughes Center, noted the significance of the dwindling support from the Republican base. According to Froonjian, the numbers suggest a damage to the party brand, exacerbated by failed attempts to elect a new House speaker.
“In our hyperpartisan times, the two parties diverge and huge majorities take opposing sides in every poll no matter what the issue. So, for this many Republicans to not voice support for their team is significant,” said Froonjian.
“With every failed attempt to elect a House speaker, even Republicans in Washington are bemoaning the damage they are doing to their brand, not to mention the country,” Froonjian said.
The poll sampled 630 New Jersey adults and has a margin of error of +/- 3.9 percentage points.
