Why do ‘leaners’ lean toward one party? It’s often because they oppose the other party’s policies
Note: Partisans do not include those who lean to each party. Leaners are those who do not identify as Republican or Democrat (identifying as independent or with another party) and lean toward either the Republican or Democratic Party.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 26-June 1, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Why do ‘leaners’ lean toward one party? It’s often because they oppose the other party’s policies
| Group | Groupx | Group | Their party’s policies are good for the country | The other party’s policies are harmful to the country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican partisan | Partisan | Republican | 72 | 73 |
| Republican leaner | Leaner | Lean Rep | 34 | 56 |
| Democrat partisan | Partisan | Democrat | 67 | 75 |
| Democrat leaner | Leaner | Lean Dem | 27 | 64 |
Note: Partisans do not include those who lean to each party. Leaners are those who do not identify as Republican or Democrat (identifying as independent or with another party) and lean toward either the Republican or Democratic Party.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted May 26-June 1, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
