🏛️Gallup shows 12% Congressional approval amid 97% incumbent retention
Government
Congressional approval dropped to a historic 12% in February 2025 according to Gallup polling. Yet 97% of House incumbents seeking reelection won their races in November 2024. This paradox stems from gerrymandered districts where only 10% of House seats remain competitive nationwide. Massive incumbent fundraising advantages average 10-to-1 ratios over challengers. Primary elections determine 90% of outcomes since general elections occur in rigged safe seats favoring one party.
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Why This Matters
🗺️ Gerrymandered districts let politicians ignore voter anger with total impunity
Only 10% of House races remain competitive nationwide, meaning 90% of representatives serve in "safe seats" where they fear primary challenges from extremists more than accountability from moderate voters in general elections.
💰 Campaign finance advantages make incumbents nearly impossible to defeat financially
Sitting members control 10-to-1 fundraising ratios over challengers, buying name recognition through taxpayer-funded mail while using congressional staff for campaign activities that challengers cannot afford.
😤 Record-low approval ratings prove voters want change but feel powerless to achieve it
When 88% disapprove of Congress but 97% of incumbents win reelection, the system blocks accountability rather than enabling democratic choice—voters are trapped between bad options they cannot meaningfully change.
📞 Call your state legislature about independent redistricting commissions ending gerrymandered incumbent protection
Contact representatives at 202-224-3121 demanding redistricting reform like California and Maine implemented—only structural changes can break the incumbent protection racket that insulates politicians from democratic accountability.
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