(AURN News) — With talk of the 2026 midterm elections beginning to heat up, a new poll offers early insights into the political landscape — and a potential shift in Democratic Party leadership.

The latest survey from Co/efficient shows Democrats holding a narrow lead over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot, with 45% of respondents saying they would vote for a Democrat compared to 42% for a Republican. Among independents, the gap widens slightly, with Democrats leading 40% to 31%.

But it’s the question of party identity that may draw the most attention.

When asked who they view as the face of the Democratic Party, 26% of likely general election voters named Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York — the highest for any individual. Sen. Bernie Sanders followed at 12%, while Rep. Jasmine Crockett received 8%. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries each received 5%.

The Co/efficient poll surveyed 1,462 likely general election voters from May 7 to May 9. Of those polled, 72% identified as white, 11% as Hispanic and 10% as Black. In terms of ideology, 24% said they were MAGA voters, 16% identified as conservative, 29% as moderate, 15% as liberal and 16% as progressive.

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