WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) – Democrats want new leaders for the party, but many aren’t focusing enough on economic issues, overemphasizing issues like trans rights and electric vehicles, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.
The polls identified a deep disconnect between what Democrats say they are their priorities and issues they believe are cherished ahead of next year’s midterm elections, where Republicans hope to cut off control of Congress. They believe that elected officials are not focused on helping families achieve their objectives and reduce the influence of the company.
Democrat Kamala Harris’ defeat to Republican Donald Trump in November caused a round of rudeness and soul-searching for the path to advance. Polls show that party leaders recruit candidates for Congress in 2026 and what they should do for the White House in 2028.
Approximately 62% of self-identified Democrats in the poll agreed to a statement that “Democrat leaders should be replaced by new people.” Only 24% of respondents said they were not certain or didn’t answer the rest.
Only 30% of Republicans who voted said they thought party leaders should be replaced.
Democrats’ complaints follow this week’s resignation of influential president of the American Federation of Teachers, Randy Weingerten, and the ouster of progressive activist David Hogg.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,258 people nationwide and online from June 11th to 16th, including 1,293 Democrats. For the Democrats, there was an error of about 3% points. Democrats have discovered that the party focuses on daily needs and that wealthier Americans want more taxes.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considered the Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, agrees.
“People don’t trust us. They don’t think we have their backs on issues that are these kitchen table issues,” Newsom said in his podcast in April.
Democrats
A Democratic strategist who reviewed the polls said he would send a clear message.
“Voters are very panicking right now,” said Mark Riddle, who heads the future majority, a democratic research firm. “They want elected officials at all levels to address the cost of living, kitchen table issues and affordability.”
Polls found a gap between what voters say they care and what party leaders think they prioritize. 73% of Democrats said they saw restrictions prioritizing contributions to political groups like Super PACS, but only 58% believe the leaders are prioritizing it.
That issue is important for Minneapolis Democrat Sam Boland, 29, and sees it as a way to “legally fund” super PAC money.
“Politicians want to continue their work and fear the impact of publicly funded elections,” Boland said.
Along that line, 86% of Democrats said that if federal tax laws change, wealthy Americans and large corporations should pay more taxes.
Republican-controlled Congress is now pushing for Trump’s sweeping tax cut bill that will benefit people who are wealthier than working-class Americans.
Anthony Rensch, 29, of Baltimore, said he believes Democrat leaders are afraid to embrace more progressive policies, such as higher taxes on wealthy people.
“I think a lot of Trump’s success is a populist message, and there are similar populist messages that Democrats can have,” says Rentsch.
Democrats’ own priorities appeared to coincide with the leadership on abortion rights. This is cited by 77% as a priority.
New blood
Frustration with the party’s priorities regarding some economic policy has become stronger among young Democrats like Borland and Rensch.
For example, only 55% of Democrats aged 18-39 thought they prioritized paid family leave, which allowed workers to care for sick families and bond with new babies, while 73% said it was a priority for them. Among older Democrats, the same share (68%) said the issue was a priority.
Rentsch said criticizing Trump for his actions was not enough to beat skeptical voters.
“Not that,” Rentsch said. “You must own issues that affect your financial well-being and physical and mental well-being.”
Democrat respondents said parties should do more to promote affordable childcare, lower prescription drug prices, make health insurance more accessible and support mass transport. They view party leaders as less passionate about those issues than they do, polls found.
Still, some Democrats argue that the party needs to bear Trump and toe. “They have to be mean,” said Dave Sylvester, 37, of Phoenix.
Other Democrats said the party sometimes overemphasize issues they consider less important, such as trans rights. Only 17% of Democrats said that allowing trans people to compete in sports between women and girls should be a priority, while 28% of Democrats believe that leaders do so.
Benjamin Villagomez, 33, of Austin, Texas, said trans rights are important, but the issue is easily loaned to Republican attacks.
“Moving the needle can be more important,” said Vilagomez, a trans. “There are more pressing issues, things that are actually important to people’s livelihoods.”
Democrat strategists say if Trump’s trade and tax policies lead to higher prices and increased budget deficits, the party will need to get the most out of next year’s election and decide to control Congress.
“This recent poll data shows there is room for improvement in democrats criticizing Trump for the economy and revealing to voters that Democrats are people standing up for workers,” said Ben Turchin, who voted for Senator Bernie Sanders in his two presidential elections.
Borland, a Minneapolis Democrat, said the party must go beyond portraying itself “the less of the two evils.”
“It needs to be transformed into a party where everyday people can be excited,” he said. “That requires replacing the guards.”
(Reporting by James Oliphant and Jason Lange, edited by Scott Malone and Deepa Babington)
