Survey Reveals Congressional Aides See Democrats as Shutdown’s Biggest Losers

A recent survey conducted by HillFaith has revealed that a significant 48 percent of congressional aides believe Democrats sustained the most political damage from the recent record-breaking 43-day government shutdown. This shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, not only disrupted federal operations but also caused a significant political rift in Washington, D.C. The findings are part of the latest CNCT Capitol Pulse survey that aimed to assess the political fallout among aides from both major parties.

Insights from Congressional Aides

The survey reflects the complex perceptions of those working within the legislative branch regarding the shutdown’s impact. While 48 percent of respondents identified Democrats as the biggest losers, 30 percent attributed the most damage to Republicans. A further 22 percent believed both parties experienced equal harm, suggesting a shared sense of crisis among staffers. This nuanced view underscores the often-divergent opinions shaped by party affiliation.

Among Democratic aides, the consensus was even more striking. Of the 48 percent who viewed the Democrats as suffering the most, a notable 56 percent of Senate Democratic aides agreed with this assessment. This indicates that many within the Democratic ranks recognize the significant toll the shutdown took on their party’s standing.

Republican Perspectives

Conversely, Republican aides largely supported the view that Democrats were the primary losers. A remarkable 71 percent of GOP junior policy-making aides shared this opinion, as did an equal percentage of Republican women aides. This strong consensus reveals a belief among Republican staff that their party emerged from the standoff in a more favorable political position.

The perception of damage inflicted on the GOP was primarily voiced by Democratic aides. Among all respondents, 30 percent felt that Republicans faced the most political fallout, a sentiment echoed by 71 percent of Senior Democrats. Just 16 percent of Republican respondents believed their party suffered more damage than their Democratic counterparts, highlighting a stark partisan divide in the assessment of the shutdown’s consequences.

The CNCT Capitol Pulse survey offers a valuable perspective from those directly involved in congressional operations during this historic shutdown. The prolonged closure not only affected numerous federal agencies but also led to widespread furloughs and required hundreds of thousands of federal workers to work without pay. As the impasse extended beyond previous records, the political maneuvering intensified, creating a significant national narrative that drew attention from both congressional leadership and the White House.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the findings of this survey provide crucial insights into how congressional aides perceive their party’s standing in the wake of this significant event.

For more information about HillFaith and their mission to support congressional aides, visit their website at hillfaith.org.