A recent Gallup poll has revealed a significant shift in Democratic voter sentiment, with approximately 45% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents now calling for the party to adopt a more moderate stance.
The survey, conducted between January 21 and January 27 and involving 1,001 adults nationwide, underscores a growing disconnect between the progressive policies championed by many Democratic lawmakers and the preferences of the party’s base.
The poll indicates that support for a more centrist approach had increased by 11 percentage points since early 2021 when just over one-third of Democrats favored a move toward moderation.
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In contrast, the percentage of voters who support a shift to a more liberal platform has declined by 5 points, with only 29% endorsing further leftward movement. Meanwhile, a mere 22% of respondents believe that the party should maintain its current ideological trajectory.
The push for moderation comes amid mounting evidence that certain progressive policies are not resonating with the broader electorate. Recent legislative votes highlight this disconnect.
For instance, only 12 Democratic senators and 46 House Democrats supported the Laken Riley Act—a law signed by President Trump on January 29 that mandates the detention of illegal migrants who commit theft-related crimes or assault law enforcement officers.
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Similarly, more than two-thirds of House Democrats opposed a bill introduced by Republican Rep. Nancy Mace that would require the deportation of illegal migrants convicted of sexual offenses or domestic violence. This position contrasts sharply with the nearly 90% of Americans who favor deporting criminal illegal migrants, according to a January New York Times-Ipsos poll.
The issue of transgender athletes further illustrates the divide. Only two Democratic lawmakers voted for a bill proposed by Republican Rep. Greg Steube of Florida that seeks to bar biological males from competing in women’s sports—a stance that aligns with the overwhelming majority (79%) of Americans who oppose such participation.
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The growing call for moderation follows widespread dissatisfaction with the progressive agenda pursued by the Biden-Harris administration.
Critics argue that expansive climate initiatives and sweeping social programs have contributed to a perception that the party’s policies are out of touch with everyday concerns.
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