The Democratic Party is facing a significant challenge as a recent survey conducted by Welcome, a center-left group, revealed that 70% of Americans believe the party is “out of touch” with the issues that matter to voters. This marks a double-digit increase over the past decade, indicating a growing disconnect between the party and the electorate.
According to the survey, voters perceive the Democratic Party as being overly focused on issues such as protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ+ Americans, while neglecting key concerns such as the economy, the cost of living, healthcare, border security, and public safety. The study, titled “Deciding to Win,” recommends that the party shift its priorities to align more closely with voter concerns, emphasizing issues like Social Security and Medicare, lowering everyday costs, making healthcare more affordable, creating jobs and economic growth, cutting taxes on the middle class, lowering crime rates, and securing the border.
The survey also highlighted areas where the Democratic Party’s agenda is unpopular, including immigration, public safety, energy production, and certain identity and cultural issues. The report suggests that the party needs to moderate its positions on these topics to appeal to a broader range of voters.
In terms of public perception, the Republican Party has seen a slight improvement, with 65% of voters viewing it as “out of touch” in 2025, compared to 70% in 2013. On the other hand, only 39% of voters believe that the Democratic Party has the right priorities, while 59% feel that Democrats do not.
The survey found that support for the Democratic Party has declined significantly among working-class and minority voters since 2012, particularly among moderates and conservatives in these groups. While support has grown among college-educated white voters and all college-educated voters, there has been a notable decrease in support from non-college-educated Latino voters, AAPI voters, Black voters, and other demographics.
In conclusion, Welcome emphasizes the importance of strategic shifts within the Democratic Party to align with voter priorities and improve electoral prospects. Winning, the group argues, requires discipline, strategy, and a willingness to confront difficult truths about the electorate. By making these necessary changes, the Democratic Party can better connect with voters and enhance its chances of success in future elections.
