Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) (YouTube)

(CNSNews.com) -- As the new 116th Congress is sworn in today, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) -- who likely will be elected Speaker of the House by her colleagues -- is viewed favorably by 38% of Americans and unfavorably by 48% of Americans, according to a recent Gallup survey.

For comparison, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is viewed favorably by 30% of Americans and unfavorably by 48% of Americans.

Congress overall -- House and Senate -- has an approval rating of 18% and a disapproval rating of 75%, according to Gallup.

(Gallup)

In the survey, Gallup asked Americans' views of U.S. congressional leaders. While Pelosi was 38% favorable and 48% unfavorable, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) garnered a favorablity of 32% and unfavorability of 40%.

"Pelosi's latest favorability rating of 38% has risen nine percentage points since the previous measurement last June and is currently higher than the historical average of 33%," said Gallup. However, Pelosi "is the most polarizing leader, receiving both the highest favorable reviews from members of her own party as well as the highest unfavorable reviews from members of the opposing party," said the polling firm.

As for retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), his "latest 34% favorable rating is the lowest of his speakership and below his overall historical average of 39%," reported Gallup. "It has fallen six percentage points since June 2018, including a 12-point drop among Republicans."

"The trajectory of Ryan's favorable ratings is similar to other recent past speakers who left the speakership viewed more negatively than positively by Americans, much worse off than when they started," said Gallup. "For his part, Ryan started his speakership with a net +13 favorable rating and leaves with a net -16 image rating."

Looking forward, Gallup projected that with "Democrats controlling the House and Republicans leading the Senate, the extreme partisan polarization of the last few years shows no signs of relenting."