What's Happening?
Pooling all seven of our 2026 polls together (11,260 adults), we can break down the 'major, disruptive changes' bloc by party identity and self-described ideology. Among Democrats, 90.2% of the people who call themselves 'very liberal' say the country
needs 'major, disruptive changes' to get back on track. That percentage declines as you move right on the ideological scale: 83% of self-ID’d liberals agree, as do 77% of moderates and 67.0% of conservatives. The rise of left-wing candidates in the U.S. over the last year seems associated with the increasing frequency with which Americans express anti-system attitudes.
Why It's Important?
The sentiment for major changes in the political system reflects a growing dissatisfaction among progressives with the current state of U.S. politics. This could lead to increased support for left-wing candidates who advocate for systemic reforms, potentially reshaping the Democratic Party's platform and influencing national policy debates. The demand for change may also drive voter engagement and turnout, impacting election outcomes and the future direction of U.S. governance.
What's Next?
As the political landscape evolves, progressive candidates may continue to gain traction by addressing the concerns of anti-system voters and advocating for transformative policies. The upcoming August Strength In Numbers/Verasight poll will further explore voter sentiments, particularly among Democrats, regarding their leaders' opposition to President Trump and the importance of this stance in their voting decisions. These insights could inform campaign strategies and influence the priorities of political parties.
