A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that many Democrats are calling for a change in party leadership and a sharper focus on everyday economic concerns. The poll suggests that a significant
portion of the Democratic base feels the party is prioritizing issues like transgender rights and electric vehicles over more pressing "kitchen table" matters such as household finances and corporate accountability.
This disconnect comes at a pivotal moment for the party, following Vice President Kamala Harris' loss to Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. With the 2026 midterms approaching and 2028 on the horizon, Democrats are reassessing their direction and leadership strategy.
According to the poll, 62% of self-identified Democrats agree that it's time to replace current party leaders. Only 24% disagree, with the remainder unsure or not responding. In contrast, just 30% of Republicans surveyed felt their own leadership should be replaced.
Internal tensions are already leading to shifts in party infrastructure. This week saw the resignation of Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, from the Democratic National Committee, following the removal of progressive activist David Hogg.
The survey, conducted online between June 11 and 16 with over 4,200 participants (including 1,293 Democrats), found that Democratic voters want the party to prioritize affordable living, reduce corporate influence, and push for higher taxes on the wealthy.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender, echoed these sentiments in an April podcast: “People don’t trust us. They don’t think we have their backs on the issues that matter most — the kitchen table issues.”
The poll underscores the urgency for Democratic leaders to reconnect with their base and recalibrate their message ahead of upcoming elections. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.
