Study suggests Democrats must adopt populist messaging to win back working-class voters

The Center for Working-Class Politics surveyed 40,000 adults from April to June to identify how Democrats can regain support among working-class voters without sacrificing other constituencies. Findings show that endorsement of policies like police defunding, allowing transgender girls to compete in girls’ sports, or stricter gun control reduces Democratic appeal by 5.7, 5.6, and 4 points respectively. Respondents favor candidates who use populist language, appear non-elite, and prioritize "working-class economics."

The researchers advise Democrats to lead with economic issues that directly benefit the working class and to explicitly signal that they represent that demographic. Jared Abbott, director of the center, argues that it is better for candidates to voice positions that genuinely connect with these voters than to remain silent on cultural matters.