Many hypothesize about which major political issue, economic factor, candidate attribute, or approval rating will decide the 2026 midterms. One thing is certain: voters are angry, frustrated, and distrustful of those in power. They want to know candidates understand they are hurting–and have plans to help them.
By The Numbers:
Public opinion about which party cares more about people like them has shifted over the past 30 years. In the 1990s, Democrats held a large advantage on the question of which party “cares about people like me.”
Democrats maintained that advantage through the 2000s. Republicans over-performed their numbers on these measures due to outside factors. There was a spike for Republicans in 2008, as well as in the 2010 and 2014 elections. Both parties were close in 2016, but Democrats regained their advantage in 2018.
Today both parties are close. 37% of Americans believe Democrats care more about people like them, while 32% believe Republicans care more.
The Bottom Line: Neither party has a distinct advantage on the questions of who cares more about Americans or understands the hardships they’re experiencing at the kitchen table today. While the media likes to spread gloom and doom around the GOP, the numbers show Democrats have not fixed their lack-of-empathy problem, which cost them the 2024 presidential election. Over the next 75 days, candidates who show voters they care and understand their concerns will have a better chance of converting the swing voters who will decide the midterm elections.
