Key facts
- Democrats are using anti-corruption messaging to connect with voters on economic issues.
- Research indicates linking corruption to economic struggles can increase voter support for Democrats by about 3 percentage points.
- 81% of Americans believe corruption in government raises costs.
- Americans see elected officials allowing waste and protecting monopolies as key drivers of rising costs.
- Cracking down on price gouging and prosecuting corporate fraud are favored solutions.
- President Trump and his family are viewed as the most corrupt by 48% of Americans.
Democrats are intensifying their focus on anti-corruption messaging in the lead-up to elections, linking it directly to Americans' economic concerns. New research suggests that framing corruption as a cause of rising costs for housing, healthcare, and everyday living can significantly boost support for Democratic congressional candidates. A national survey indicated this messaging increased voter support by approximately 3 percentage points.
This strategy aligns with a broader shift in Democratic communication, with candidates like Senator Jon Ossoff and James Talarico arguing that the system in Washington is designed to favor the wealthy over ordinary citizens. This approach resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, as research from Navigator Research shows that four in five Americans (81%) perceive corruption in government as a factor that increases costs, with nearly half feeling this strongly. Non-MAGA Republicans and independents are particularly likely to agree with this sentiment.
When identifying the sources of these rising costs, Americans primarily point to elected officials who permit waste and fraud, and to monopolies and large corporations that engage in price gouging. Consequently, Americans express a strong preference for solutions that directly address corruption and its economic impact. Cracking down on unfair price gouging is favored by 60% of Americans as the best way to reduce costs, while prosecuting corporate fraud and recovering stolen money are also seen as crucial measures. President Trump and his family are identified as the most corrupt by 48% of Americans, and industries such as oil and gas, prescription drugs, big tech, and health insurance are also frequently cited as corrupt.