For the past few years, Americans have been split down the middle in terms of political party affiliation, swinging back and forth between a plurality of Republican and Democrat. Over the last few months, however, a new survey shows that pendulum may be swinging substantially in favor of one party – just a few months before a pivotal national election.
A new survey from Gallup shows that 50 percent of U.S. adults identify as Democrat or leaning Democrat as of June compared to just 39 percent identifying as Republican or leaning Republican. That’s an enormous shift from the beginning of the year, when the same survey showed 47 percent of U.S. adults identifying as Republican and 45 percent identifying as Democrat.
Historically, Gallup’s poll has shown Democrats typically fare better than Republicans in total national party affiliation. Double-digit leads, however, are uncommon, and especially notable given the unusual circumstances present with this newest political gauge. With just four months ahead of the general election in November, this data, along with Joe Biden’s double-digit average lead in national polls against Donald Trump, point to the Democratic party as being in a very strong position.
