Appendix: Additional charts

2026-07-23 · Source: Pew Research Center · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Regulatory & Compliance · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

A Pew Research Center survey conducted July 6-12, 2026, reveals shifting public perceptions of political parties across key policy areas and declining favorability for Congress. The Republican Party's advantage on immigration policy narrowed, with 41% agreeing with Republicans and 36% with Democrats, down from 44% and 35% respectively in September 2025. On economic issues, the public is divided, with 36% favoring Republicans and 37% favoring Democrats. Democrats maintain significant leads on healthcare (42%), abortion (42%), environment/climate (44%), and education (41%), while Republicans lead on crime (43%). Notably, 51% of respondents agree with neither party on policies related to AI. Overall, views of Congress remain overwhelmingly unfavorable at 72% in July 2026, with only 25% favorable. Furthermore, Democrats (70%) are more likely than Republicans (60%) to believe the outcome of congressional elections "really matters."

Key takeaway

For political strategists developing campaign platforms, these survey results highlight critical areas of public sentiment. You should prioritize issues like healthcare and environment where Democrats hold strong leads, or crime where Republicans have an advantage. Acknowledge the significant public disengagement on AI policy, where 51% agree with neither party, indicating a need for clear, bipartisan messaging. Your messaging must also address the overwhelmingly unfavorable view of Congress, which stands at 72%.

Key insights

Public opinion on policy issues and Congress is highly polarized, with significant disengagement on emerging topics like AI.

Principles

• Public trust in Congress is consistently low.
• Emerging tech policy lacks clear party alignment.
• Voter engagement varies by party affiliation.

In practice

• Identify policy areas with strong partisan alignment.
• Note issues where neither party holds a majority.
• Track voter engagement by demographic.

Topics

• Public Opinion Polling
• Political Party Alignment
• Congressional Approval
• Voter Engagement
• Policy Preferences
• AI Policy

Best for: Policy Maker, Consultant, Research Scientist

Related on AIssential

• How America Turned Against AI According to the Poll Data: A (Very Big) Compilation — Poll data consistently shows a rapid, bipartisan collapse in American public trust for AI, its infrastructure, and industry leaders.
• Open Thread 435 — A Kamala Harris ad targeting young Black and Hispanic men sparks debate on cultural relevance, voter engagement, and political strategy.
• As the US midterms approach, AI is going to emerge as a key issue concerning voters | Nathan E Sanders and Bruce Schneier — Trump's executive order on AI regulation has created a new political wedge issue for the US midterms.
• Stop Shouting. Start Policymaking. — AI-driven platforms can identify hidden public consensus, transforming divisive political discourse into actionable policy.
• How Americans are engaged with news, politics, religion and civic life — Regulatory frameworks for AI content are emerging, while civic engagement patterns vary significantly across U.S. demographics.
• OpenAI isn’t being consistently candid about Leading the Future — OpenAI's public statements regarding its political advocacy group ties contradict internal views and external reporting, revealing complex, undisclosed influences.

See Counsel's argued verdicts on the open AI decisions leaders are weighing →

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Pew Research Center.