Cygnal’s Poll Reveals How the Economy, Crime and Illegal Immigration Shaped 2024 Voter Priorities

Fresh insights reveal the surprising dynamics that shaped the election’s outcome.

What to Know: 

  • 40% of voters rank inflation and the cost of living as their most important issue.

  • Trump’s favorability is at 48%, with Elon Musk named the top surrogate by 47% of voters.

  • 60% of voters support the $2 trillion DOGE initiative to reduce government waste.

  • Republicans gained +14 net among minorities and +8 net among men, driving a 3-point shift overall.

  • Cable news remains the top source at 40%, but podcasts are gaining traction with 18% of voters.

The Cygnal national poll, conducted between December 9-11, 2024, sheds light on voter priorities, the effectiveness of political surrogates, and the factors shaping public sentiment as the country heads into a new administration. This survey of 1,500 likely general election voters highlights pressing economic concerns, evolving media consumption habits, and shifting political alignments.

Top Priorities for Trump’s Administration

Economic stability dominates voter concerns, with 40% identifying inflation and the rising cost of living as the top issue for the new administration. This aligns with growing dissatisfaction over daily financial struggles. Secondary concerns include 21% focusing on illegal immigration, and 12% citing threats to democracy. Issues like healthcare (8%) and Social Security/Medicare (7%) have taken a back seat, suggesting a shift in public focus toward immediate financial and societal challenges.

Source: Cygnal Poll Full Report

Voter Perceptions of Key Figures

Donald Trump’s favorability rating sits at 48% favorable and 51% unfavorable, reflecting a steady improvement as he prepares for a second term. This upward trend indicates that voters are responding positively to his focus on economic issues such as inflation and cost of living, as well as his push for government efficiency. Trump’s ability to leverage high-profile surrogates, including Elon Musk, appears to be resonating with key segments of the electorate, further solidifying his position heading into the next phase of his political career.

Kamala Harris, meanwhile, holds a 46% favorable and 52% unfavorable rating, suggesting she faces ongoing challenges in broadening her appeal among voters. Joe Biden’s favorability, at 41% favorable and 57% unfavorable, underscores the hurdles Democrats face in maintaining their connection with the public. These numbers highlight a shifting political landscape, with momentum leaning toward a party that can effectively address voter concerns and priorities in an increasingly competitive environment.

 

Effectiveness of Surrogates

Elon Musk emerges as the standout surrogate for Trump, with 47% of voters naming him the most effective. Joe Rogan and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. each garnered 22% support. 

In stark contrast, Kamala Harris’s surrogates faced challenges: Taylor Swift was seen as effective by 21%, Oprah Winfrey by 16%, and 55% of respondents stated that none of Harris’s surrogates were effective.

Optimism Among Voters

First-time voters in 2024 exhibited a net positive sentiment of +10 regarding the country’s direction, highlighting optimism among a critical demographic. Motivations behind voter choices also reveal contrasts: 66% of Trump voters supported him out of genuine approval, while 33% voted primarily to oppose Harris. For Harris voters, 48% expressed genuine support for her, but 52% were motivated by opposition to Trump.

Support for Government Efficiency and Mass Deportations

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative targeting $2 trillion in government waste, fraud, and abuse, garnered support from 60% of voters, particularly among men. The ongoing polarization of immigration policy is further evidenced by the fact that 40% of respondents are against mass deportations of undocumented residents, while 56% oppose them.

Media and Information Consumption

Voter reliance on various media platforms remains dynamic. Cable news remains the top information source, used by 40% of voters, though this is down 2% since October. National broadcast TV follows at 33%, also declining 3%, while YouTube has seen a sharper drop, down 5% to 17%. Podcasts continue to gain traction, now engaging 18% of voters.

Republican Gains and Electoral Shifts

Cygnal reports a 3-point shift in favor of Republicans on the generic congressional ballot since 2024, signaling more than just incremental gains. This shift is rooted in a +8 net increase among male voters, a demographic that has shown heightened responsiveness to Republican messaging on economic issues and cultural values. With a focus on addressing inflation, job creation, and government efficiency, Republicans have tapped into concerns that resonate deeply with men navigating financial and societal pressures.

Equally significant is the +14 net gain among minority voters, pointing to a broader Republican appeal that challenges traditional partisan divides. This gain reflects efforts to connect with minority communities on issues like school choice, small business support, and public safety—policies that emphasize opportunity and empowerment. These shifts are more than just statistics; they highlight a reconfiguration of voter priorities and loyalties that could have lasting implications for electoral strategies in the years ahead.

Wrap Up

The electorate's increasing attention to economic issues and the power of strategic surrogates in influencing political narratives are highlighted by the Cygnal poll. With Republicans making significant inroads among men and minority voters, and Democrats grappling with waning enthusiasm, the political landscape is poised for pivotal shifts. Both parties must adapt their strategies to resonate with voter priorities as the 2026 and 2028 elections loom.

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John Connors

John Connors

John is a passionate patriot and business owner. He launched Campaign Now in 2008 to help free-market oriented, American organizations increase their reach and achieve important results. When he’s not strategizing growth plans with clients, you can find him sharpening his history chops, playing tennis in the Texas heat, or spending time with family.

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