Hybrid · The Brookings Institution - Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036·Governance & Democracy

New survey tracks darkening mood and shifting political loyalties ahead of midterm elections

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Findings from the 17th annual American Values Survey

A new national survey of more than 5,000 Americans captures the country’s mood heading into the 2026 midterm elections, examining views on the economy, President Trump’s job performance in his second year, and the rise of populism. The survey explores Americans’ attitudes toward MAGA and Democratic Socialist movements, election integrity, enforcement of immigration law and immigrants’ rights, as well as emerging views on foreign policy flashpoints, artificial intelligence and social trust. At a pivotal moment for the country, this survey illuminates where Americans find common ground, how and why they diverge amid deepening polarization, and what’s shaping how they’ll vote this November.

On October 20, the Governance Studies program at Brookings and the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) will host the release of their 17th annual American Values Survey with a panel of experts who will discuss the survey results and what they reveal about the state of American politics ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

This event will be open to attend in person or watch online. Online viewers can submit questions via e-mail to events@brookings.edu.

Agenda

Opening remarks

  • Melissa Deckman — CEO, Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)
  • E.J. Dionne, Jr. — Senior Fellow, Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management (CEPM), W. Averell Harriman Chair in American Governance

Presentation

  • Robert P. Jones — President, Founder, Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)

Panel discussion

  • Whit Ayres — President, North Star Opinion Research
  • David C. Barker — Nonresident Senior Fellow, Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management (CEPM)
  • Robert P. Jones — President, Founder, Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)
  • Laura Barrón-López — White House Reporter, MS NOW
  • Moderator: William A. Galston — Senior Fellow, Governance Studies, Center for Effective Public Management (CEPM), Ezra K. Zilkha Chair in Governance Studies

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