We’re approaching the greatest concentration of primary elections across the country, with more Democratic and Republican primaries for races up and down the ballot. A new NBC News poll asked primary voters to explain their motive for selecting one candidate over another. The results are a reminder that tough races require skill and an agility needed to reach all voters where they are.
By The Numbers:
Looking at Republicans, 70% of Republican primary voters said when selecting candidates in a primary, they choose the candidate that comes closest to their views on issues. Only 27% of Republican primary voters said they choose the candidate who has the best chance to beat the other party in November.
Fifty-six percent of Democrat primary voters said when selecting candidates in a primary, they choose the candidate that comes closest to their views on issues. Forty-two percent of Democrat primary voters said they choose the candidate that has the best chance to beat the other party in November.
The Bottom Line: Primary voters generally value ideological purity over electability. The NBC News poll also found, however, that the nation overall has negative views of both parties, especially by independents. This underscores the challenge many candidates in both parties have and why many candidates who win their primary then lose the General Election. It’s important for candidates, especially in close races, to find a unique path and strong brand that rally their base while transitioning seamlessly to the general election.
