U.S. Chamber Polling Memo
Published
August 22, 2023
With the first presidential debate set for this Wednesday, recent polling conducted on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce illustrates that voters are supportive of pro-growth policies and pro-business candidates who will help businesses create jobs.
The Chamber’s poll also reports that aggressive agendas from the progressive left and populist right for greater government management of the economy and micromanagement of businesses is decidedly out of step with the views of voters.
Consistent with other recent third-party polling, the Chamber’s research reports that a majority of Republican primary voters want to keep government out of business decisions. Sizeable numbers of Independents and Democrats share the same view.
Voters also favor the positions held by small and large businesses alike on a wide range of critical policy issues, including securing the border and increasing legal immigration, stopping frivolous lawsuits, enacting permitting reform, and pursuing more global trade deals.
As we head into election season, the message is clear: whether you are courting Republican, Democratic, or Independent voters, candidates will be well served to run as pro-business candidates focused on solutions that support jobs and America’s free enterprise system.
Highlights from the June 17-22 national poll of 1,327 registered voters conducted by North Star Opinion Research:
Voters Overwhelmingly Think Business is a Force for Good
Voters Trust their Employers, Small Businesses, Businesses in their Communities and Large Businesses
Even large businesses more trusted than not and are significantly more trusted than the federal government by Republicans and Independents.
Voters, Especially Republicans, Prefer the Free Market to Government Management and Oversight
Republicans, Independents, and More than a Quarter of Democrats Prefer Candidates Who Oppose Micromanagement of Business Decisions
Which of the following candidates do you agree with more?
This is consistent with the recent Times/Siena poll of likely Republican primary voters:
And consistent with recent polling by Echelon Insights of Republican voters:
Voters Support a Wide-Range of Pro-Growth Policies
Majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats are More Likely to Support a Candidate Described as Pro-Business
Political Background Questions:
Generic Congressional Ballot:
- Democrats have a three-point advantage on the generic ballot with 20% of voters, including 49% of Independents indicating their vote depends on the candidate.
- This is consistent with the latest RealClearPolitics averages and recent polls that show essentially a tie, with narrow shifts in advantages in recent surveys for both Republicans and Democrats.
President Biden Approval:
- 43% of voters approve of the job President Biden is doing, while 54% disapprove.
- These figures are driven by 46% who disapprove strongly, including 48% of Independents.
About the authors
Ashlee Rich Stephenson
Ashlee Rich Stephenson, senior political strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is head of the Political Affairs and Issue Advocacy division.
