A recent survey found that significantly more Americans identify with the Republican Party than the Democratic Party just six months before the November election. The news also corresponds with a number of positive polls for former President Donald Trump, including both nationally and in a number of crucial swing states.
According to the most recent Gallup poll, 47% of voters consider themselves Republicans or lean in that direction. This compares to just 40% who say the same about the Democratic Party. Republicans also lead in the direct question of whether voters are Republicans or Democrats.
Overall, the average is significantly better for Republicans than in other recent polling cycles. During the 2020 election season, the Democrats had a 5% advantage. It was a 4% lead in 2016 and an 8% one in 2008.
The last time that Republicans held such an advantage in a presidential year was 2004.
The result also came as the GOP has picked up considerable support in specific states, including in Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina. There are now more Republicans in Florida than Democrats for the first time in a century.
The poll also came after other surveys that showed Biden receiving negative ratings from voters on specific issues.
FT POLL: Since Biden has become president, would you say you are financially…
Better off: 17% [-3]
Worse off: 51% [+3]
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In General, do you think President Biden's economic policies have…Helped the economy: 28% [-4]
Hurt the economy: 49% [+2]
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How would you rate overall… pic.twitter.com/2ktk9gVHjT— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) May 12, 2024
The news came as the former president received considerable support from states that traditionally vote for Democrats. Trump was greeted by tens of thousands of supporters in New Jersey during a weekend rally. The Trump campaign said that up to 100,000 people were in attendance.
The positive news in New Jersey came in a state that Republicans have not won in a presidential race since 1988. Furthermore, the former president said that his campaign would win the state in November. He said earlier this year that his campaign would make a major push to win his former home state of New York.
Trump also cited a recent poll showing him ahead in Minnesota. Trump stated that he would make a major push for Virginia, which a Republican has not won since 2004.
