Voters Focus on the Economy as They Look Toward the Next Presidential Race
Trump’s Policies Still Shape Republican Views
As voters look ahead to the next presidential contest, President Donald Trump’s influence remains strong among Republicans. Most Republicans want the next president to continue Trump’s policies, even if that person does not copy his personal style.
Nearly four in 10 MAGA Republicans want Trump’s successor to follow both his policies and his style. About half would prefer a president who continues his policies without copying his approach or personality.
Non-MAGA Republicans are less interested in having a president with Trump’s style. About 45% want his policies to continue, while only about 15% want the next president to follow both his policies and his style.
Independents largely want a different direction. Six in 10 say the next president should move away from both Trump’s policies and his style. Few Democrats want either one to continue.
Even with Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and Trump’s approval rating at 39%, a committed group of voters remains loyal to him. About half of all voters want a successor who does not follow Trump’s policies or style. Still, 26% want the next president to continue his policies, and another 12% want a leader who copies both his policies and his style.
The Economy Is the Main Concern
Voters across political parties identify better economic conditions as the country’s most important goal for the coming years. Six in 10 say their personal finances are holding steady. About three in 10 say they are falling behind, while only about one in 10 feel they are getting ahead.
People who feel financially strained are more likely to place the economy at the top of the national priority list. Their concerns include the cost of everyday necessities, household bills, and the ability to afford basic services.
When asked what elected leaders should address first after taking office, grocery prices are the leading answer. About three in 10 voters want immediate action on food costs. Roughly two in 10 point to gas prices, while a similar share wants attention given to health care and prescription drug costs.
Housing expenses rank slightly lower. About one in 10 voters want leaders to focus first on electricity and other utility bills.
Financial Stress Shapes Views of the Future
Americans are nearly split over whether the country’s best days are still ahead or have already passed. Personal finances strongly affect those opinions.
About two-thirds of people who say they are getting ahead financially feel optimistic about the nation’s future. In contrast, about two-thirds of those who say they are falling behind believe the country’s best days are in the past.
Other priorities vary by political party. About one in five Democrats name access to affordable health care as a major concern. A similar share of Republicans say protecting people from government overreach should be the country’s top issue.
Among independents, about one in 10 identify affordable health care as the most important issue, while about the same share point to government overreach.
Uncertainty About Artificial Intelligence
Voters are divided over how artificial intelligence will affect the American economy during the next decade. About four in 10 expect the technology to cause harm, while three in 10 believe it will bring benefits. About one in 10 expect little or no effect, and about two in 10 remain unsure.
About four in 10 voters also believe artificial intelligence could hurt the environment and the arts and entertainment industry.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to expect harmful effects. Republican support is strongest among MAGA voters. About 45% of MAGA Republicans believe artificial intelligence will help the United States compete with other countries, and another four in 10 say it will do more to help the economy.
Democrats who support democratic socialism and those who do not support it are similarly likely to see possible benefits from the technology. However, democratic socialist voters are more likely to believe artificial intelligence will do more harm than good.
Concerns Grow Over Data Centers
Large data centers have raised concerns in communities where they are being built. Six in 10 voters are extremely or very worried that these facilities could increase utility prices.
About half are concerned about pollution of natural resources, land development, and possible effects on local public health. These concerns are widespread, whether or not voters live near a data center.
Democrats express more concern than Republicans about the effects of data centers. Voters from both parties support requiring companies to pay for electric grid upgrades needed to operate the facilities. They also support stronger government rules for artificial intelligence and limits on its use in schools.
Most Democrats and independents oppose building a data center in their communities. Most voters oppose local construction even in counties that already have one.
Voters Debate Government Reform
About half of voters want major changes in the way the country is governed. Party affiliation strongly affects how much change people want and which parts of government they believe need reform.
Democrats are about three times as likely as Republicans to support a complete overhaul of the country’s system. Half of democratic socialist voters favor total upheaval, compared with about one in 10 MAGA Republicans.
Republicans are now less likely to demand major change than they were when their party was outside control of the federal government.
Overall, four in 10 voters believe Congress needs substantial reform. That includes about three-quarters of MAGA Republicans and half of non-MAGA Republicans. Democrats are less likely to call for changes in Congress, but half believe the executive branch should be improved.
Few voters want to change the Constitution. Democrats are more likely than Republicans or independents to support reform of the Supreme Court.
Agreement and Division on Election Rules
Voters from all major political groups support term limits for members of Congress and Supreme Court justices. Democrats support eliminating the Electoral College, while Republicans and independents are less supportive of that idea.
Most Republicans favor limiting mail voting to people who cannot vote in person because of a physical disability. Support is higher among MAGA Republicans, at 63%, compared with 40% among non-MAGA Republicans. Democrats oppose the proposal, including those who support democratic socialism.
Issues That Could Shape Future Campaigns
The economy and jobs remain the biggest concerns, but four in 10 voters say they could support a candidate whose economic views differ from their own.
Health care is also important to nearly six in 10 voters. About the same share say they would not support a candidate who disagrees with them on health care policy.
About half say they could not support a candidate with different views on the conflict involving Israel and the Palestinians. Roughly six in 10 say they could never vote for a candidate who disagrees with them on abortion, guns, or immigration.