For the better part of a week I’ve been trying to figure out how to write this newsletter. National politics came up regularly in my days as a newspaper columnist, but since moving out of that lane I’ve tried to keep everything local. Not always local to a specific town, but within reach to directly interact with for the people reading this newsletter.
My logic has always been that the feelings evoked by national politics, dissuades people from engaging with local politics. Unlike Congress, if you are compelled to do so, it’s not hard to address your town board, city council, or county legislature directly. It’s also surprisingly easy to get signed up to serve on planning, zoning, and other municipal boards, which have a wild amount of sway on day-to-day life in your community.
But just as important as it is to do those things— it is equally important to understand the results of this election. There’s a wide-range of things being said on cable news and social media about President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. So, I thought I’d spend this newsletter sharing some insights from a recent Pew Research Center report titled “What Trump supporters believe and expect.”
It’s a collection of data from surveys that explain what Trump voters were ultimately after. He made significant progress among Black and Latino voters, and even performed better in urban areas than most expected. Throughout his time in politics—Trump has been viewed by his supporters as a disruptor and that would address their biggest concerns.
So, who exactly are the voters driving his success, and what do they want from his presidency? Far from a monolith, his base reflects a blend of economic anxiety, cultural conviction, and a simple desire for change.
Change Above All Else
A staggering 86% of Trump voters believed he would change Washington for the better. For them, “better” likely meant disruption. It’s a sentiment that reveals deep-seated frustration with traditional politics. Trump was seen as a corrective force, someone who would upend business as usual. Yet, this enthusiasm was matched by equal dread from Harris supporters, 92% of whom feared his changes would be disastrous. This polarization encapsulates the essence of Trump’s political persona: a figure impossible to ignore, for better or worse.
Economics and Immigration: A Symbiotic Priority
Economic concerns are a perennial top issue for voters, but in 2024, Trump supporters ranked immigration nearly as high. This marked a significant shift from 2020, with the percentage citing immigration as “very important” rising from 61% to 82%. This isn’t just about border walls or asylum claims; it’s about the intersection of economic security and cultural identity. Trump’s rhetoric tied immigration to job competition, safety, and the preservation of traditional values—a narrative that gained plenty of traction as economic uncertainty loomed large.
Unified by Culture
Trump supporters stand remarkably united on cultural issues, too. Overwhelming majorities reject progressive stances on gender identity and see gun ownership as essential to safety. These views paint a portrait of a coalition rooted in traditionalism, one that feels alienated by modern progressive politics. It’s a sharp contrast to Harris supporters, who often held opposing views, underscoring the chasm in cultural outlook.
A Clearer Vision—or the Perception of One
This could be the most-studied portion of this election cycle by historians. Clarity matters. And among Trump voters, 94% felt he had clearly communicated his policies on illegal immigration, compared to the relatively muddled views of Harris’ stances on key issues. In an era of information overload, simplicity can be a political superpower. “He doesn’t have a plan!” was a frequent retort during the campaign. But, he talked about the most-important issues voters held in a way that was digestible. It’s as much an indictment of education and wrath of social media—shortening attention spans and all—as it was a success of the campaign. It’s very easy to see that it wasn’t as much about complexity or even effectiveness of a specific proposal, but rather the way the issue was talked about on the campaign trail that ultimately helped voters make their minds up.
Understand and Engage with Local
It’s easy to get sucked into the debates, arguments, and feelings associated with this last election cycle. But it’s as important today as it ever has been before to get involved in your community. Over promise and under deliver is the perceived mantra of federal politics, because local has so much more of an impact on your day-to-day life. Now that the election is over—take stock of what was learned about the outcome—and get involved. Whether that means engaging with your school board, town board, or county legislature—the things we hear people talk about at the local level—like property taxes, street conditions, and economic viability—lie squarely with those entities.
No matter who occupies the White House—if you wait for them to change your world—you’ll probably be waiting forever. Big or small issue, an incredible amount of change can be driven right from your local town or city hall.
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