Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Newsletters Press Donate My Account Contacted By Us?
Pew Research Center Logo

Read our research on: Gun Policy | International Conflict | Election 2024

Pew Research Center Logo
Research Topics
All PublicationsMethodsShort ReadsTools & ResourcesExpertsAbout
Topics
Politics & PolicyInternational AffairsImmigration & MigrationRace & EthnicityReligionAge & GenerationsGender & LGBTQ
Family & RelationshipsEconomy & WorkScienceInternet & TechnologyNews Habits & MediaMethodological ResearchFull topic list
Regions & Countries
Asia & the PacificEurope & RussiaLatin AmericaMiddle East & North AfricaNorth AmericaSub-Saharan AfricaMultiple Regions / Worldwide
Formats
FeaturesFact SheetsVideosData Essays
Research Topics
Topics
Politics & PolicyInternational AffairsImmigration & MigrationRace & EthnicityReligionAge & GenerationsGender & LGBTQFamily & RelationshipsEconomy & WorkScienceInternet & TechnologyNews Habits & MediaMethodological ResearchFull topic list
Regions & Countries
Asia & the PacificEurope & RussiaLatin AmericaMiddle East & North AfricaNorth AmericaSub-Saharan AfricaMultiple Regions / Worldwide
Formats
FeaturesFact SheetsVideosData Essays
All PublicationsMethodsShort ReadsTools & ResourcesExpertsAboutNewslettersPressMy AccountContacted By Us?
DONATE

Read our research on: Gun Policy | International Conflict | Election 2024

Home Research Topics Politics & Policy Political Parties & Polarization Political Polarization
Pew Research CenterSeptember 15, 2023
7. Candidate quality and what drives elected officials to run for office

People who don’t feel well-represented by one of the parties are especially likely to say the quality of recent candidates for office has been bad

← Prev Page
Page1Page2Page3Page4You are reading page5Page6Page7Page8
Next Page →
People who don’t feel well-represented by one of the parties are especially likely to say the quality of recent candidates for office has been bad

Post Infographics

7. Candidate quality and what drives elected officials to run for office
Over half of Americans say that all or most elected officials ran for office to make a lot of money
Democrats and Republicans both skeptical that all or most elected officials ran for office to serve the public
In both parties, evaluations of candidate quality have grown more negative
Widespread views that the quality of candidates running for office in recent years has been bad
People who don’t feel well-represented by one of the parties are especially likely to say the quality of recent candidates for office has been bad
Older Americans more likely than younger adults to say at least one candidate usually shares their views
Most Americans who don’t feel well-represented by the two major parties say there usually aren’t candidates who share their views
Most Americans say it is important candidates share their views on issues; other factors less important

Pew Research Center
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries

Research Topics
Politics & PolicyInternational AffairsImmigration & MigrationRace & EthnicityReligionAge & GenerationsGender & LGBTQ
Family & RelationshipsEconomy & WorkScienceInternet & TechnologyNews Habits & MediaMethodological ResearchFull topic list
Follow Us
Email Newsletters Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube RSS

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Copyright 2025 Pew Research Center About Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Settings Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy Feedback Careers