A new analysis from Pew Research Center found a more nuanced picture of our electorate beyond the Republican-Democrat divide. Pew sorted Americans into nine groups based on political and cultural beliefs, separate from political party. Pew says “Most Americans fall into groups within a large, politically messy center…”
By The Numbers:
The groups break down as follows: Opportunity Left – those who lean Democrat and are economically liberal, but more concerned about crime and immigration (18%); Faith First Conservatives (12%); Unconventional Right – conservatives who take a more moderate stance on cultural issues (12%); Left-Out Left – Liberals who feel politically ignored (12%); Loyal Liberals (11%); Pragmatic and Polite Right – conservative on economic issues but moderate on immigration and racial issues (11%); Tuned-Out Middle – the politically divided who are highly skeptical of politics (9%); No Apologies Right (9%); and Leftward Progressives (7%).
The four groups that are the most ideologically loyal are No Apologies Right, Faith First Conservatives, Leftward Progressives, and Loyal Liberals. The conservative groups share many values but differ in tone and style. The liberal groups are highly educated and politically engaged, largely through their opposition to Trump. However, Progressives skew younger and are skeptical of the Democratic Party, while Liberals tend to adhere more closely to party lines.
Looking ahead to the midterm elections, these four groups are the most likely to participate, while the Left-Out Left is more engaged than it was in 2024 and the Pragmatic and Polite Right is less engaged than it was two years ago.
The Bottom Line: What does this mean for the midterms? Both parties will work to turn out more of their soldiers. But in districts and states that are decided on the margins, turnout among the Pragmatic and Polite Right, Unconventional Right, and Order and Opportunity Left–the less engaged of the groups–could make the difference.
