Only 27 percent of Americans identify as Democrats, according to a recent Gallup survey, the lowest gathered by the Democratic Party in 35 years.
The survey interviewed more than 12,000 US adults in 2023 to measure whether they identify politically as a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent.
Meanwhile, the majority of the respondents identify as politically independent, with an average of 43 percent in 2023.
The number was up by 2 points compared with the data gathered in 2022. Since 1991, independents have been the dominant political identification, except during 2004 and 2008.
The Republicans also gained a 27 percent average. However, it should be noted that more independent voters lean toward the GOP, which was about 45 percent.
“All Gallup survey respondents who identify as independents are then asked whether they lean more toward the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. Last year, slightly more independents leaned Republican than leaned Democratic. As a result, a combined 45% of U.S. adults identify as Republicans or lean toward the GOP, while 43% are Democrats or Democratic leaners,” shared Gallup.
Gallup also wrote that “Democratic identification has now declined by one point in each of the past three years.”
“These declines, and the new low registered in 2023, are likely ties to President Joe Biden’s unpopularity.”
President Joe Biden’s approval rating continues to plummet from 40 percent since the beginning of his term and has consistently hit rock bottom in October, November, and December 2023.
Americans now are more likely to identify as conservative or moderate at a total of 72 percent than liberal.
Gallup also noted that almost three-quarters of Republicans, 73 percent, identify as conservative.
According to Gallup, “following the normal pattern for independents, the plurality of this group, 48 percent identify as political moderates, while 30 percent are conservatives and 20 percent liberals.”
The survey also revealed that the “Democrats are clearly in a weaker position than they have been in any recent election year.”
Gallup predicts that there will be a percentage drop in people identifying as independents in 2024 as the election year opens.
“Still, even with a slight election-year drop — which has ranged from two to five points — independents will remain the largest, and arguably most persuadable, group of voters. In what is expected to be a close election contest, it is critical for each party, but especially Democrats, to nominate a candidate who can appeal to independent voters,” said Gallup.
