Poll: Increasing number of Democrats say party should become more moderate

LOS ANGELES - After losing the presidency and Senate in the 2024 election, an increasing number of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say they want their party to become more moderate rather than maintain its current liberal stance.

A Gallup poll, published last month, found that 45% of Democrats now favor a moderate shift, up from 34% in 2021. Meanwhile, 29% of Democrats still want their party to move in a more liberal direction, a five-point drop from 2021.

At the same time, Republicans are largely satisfied with their party's ideology under Trump, with 43% of GOP voters saying the party should stay the same. Only 28% want the party to become more conservative, a significant drop from 40% in 2021.

What’s behind the shift?

The backstory:

One factor that may be influencing Democrats' preference for moderation is the party’s recent electoral losses. Following the 2024 election, Republicans took control of both the presidency and Senate, while maintaining a slim majority in the House of Representatives.

In contrast, Republican satisfaction with their party's ideology may be a reflection of their support for Trump and the conservative policies his administration has begun enacting.

How views differ within each party

By the numbers:

Gallup's findings also reveal ideological divisions within both parties:

• Liberal Democrats (49% of Democrats overall) mostly want the party to be more liberal (45%) or remain the same (22%).
• Moderate Democrats (43% of Democrats) overwhelmingly prefer a shift to the center (62%).
• Conservative Republicans (two-thirds of GOP voters) are split: 45% favor the status quo, while 38% want a more conservative GOP.
• Moderate Republicans are more likely to favor a centrist shift (50%), rather than staying the same (36%).

These divisions suggest that while moderate Democrats increasingly want their party to move to the center, moderate Republicans are somewhat less eager for change.

What this means for the future

The Democratic Party's shift toward moderation could influence its strategy heading into the 2026 midterms. The party may seek to regain voter support by focusing on more centrist policies and appealing to swing voters.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party appears to be more united in its current direction, with Trump maintaining strong support among GOP voters.

As both parties look ahead to future elections, their ideological shifts could play a key role in shaping the political landscape for years to come.

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