Working-Class Voters Drift from Democrats: Data Shows Decades-Long Divide
Nicholas Jacobs, a professor at Colby College, has examined the evolving political loyalties of working-class individuals, revealing a notable decline in support for the Democratic Party. Research indicates that while approximately 35% of Americans identify as working class, loyalty to Democrats has decreased from 56% in 1960 to about 30% in 2024. In 1988, a significant majority, 74%, from both demographics supported import restrictions, but this figure has fallen dramatically, with only 26% of Democrats in favor today. Furthermore, a troubling 27-point trust gap regarding government spending highlights a disconnect between Democrats and working-class constituents.
Key facts
- Working-class identity has remained stable at roughly 35% of voters for 70 years, 38% in 2024.
- Working-class share of the Democratic coalition peaked around 56% in 1960 and fell to about 30% today.
- In 2024, only 26% of Democrats favored limits on imports, while 54% of working-class voters did.
- Democrats are 28 points more likely than working-class voters to prioritize equality.
- A 25-point gap emerged by 2024 on traditional family ties between Democrats and working-class voters.
- Working-class voters are 17 points more likely than Democrats to say people like them have no say in government.
- In 2024, 88% of working-class voters and 75% of Democrats said government is run by a few big interests.
- Abdul El-Sayed won the 2026 Michigan Democratic Senate primary with economic populism, but performed best in wealthier areas.
- DSA-aligned Democrats are now the most pro-free-trade voting bloc in the United States.
- DSA Co-Chair Megan Romer stated goals to abolish prisons, borders, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court.
Entities
Artists
- Abdul El-Sayed
- Bernie Sanders
- Chris Murphy
- Graham Platner
- Megan Romer
- Michael Harrington
- Patrick Lawrence
- Donald Trump
- Barack Obama
- Haley Stevens
Institutions
- Democratic Party
- Democratic Socialists of America
- United Auto Workers
- Colby College
- American National Election Studies
- The Conversation
- Naked Capitalism
- FOX News
- Democratic Socialist Organizing Committee
- New American Movement
Locations
- United States
- Michigan
- Detroit
- Maine
- Vermont
- Connecticut