As voters across the nation headed to the polls for crucial elections, a prevailing sentiment of frustration and dissatisfaction emerged, according to an analysis of ABC News exit polls. In key states such as New Jersey, Virginia, and California, many voters expressed feelings of anger towards the current state of affairs in America, resulting in significant victories for Democratic candidates in both state and local elections.
Jonathan Hanson, a political scientist and statistics lecturer at the University of Michigan, noted that the palpable political mood and the impressive turnout during an off-year election were not unexpected. Recent surveys indicate that a substantial number of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump's job performance, with many feeling that both major political parties have lost touch with the needs of the populace. "The buildup of pressure and years of legislative gridlock are culminating in this breaking point," Hanson stated in an interview with ABC News.
The exit poll data revealed the outlets for voter frustration. Participants were asked about their feelings regarding the current state of the country, with response options ranging from enthusiastic to angry. In Virginia, a striking 64% of voters reported feeling either dissatisfied or angry about the country’s direction, with over one-third identifying as angry. Among these angry voters, more than 90% cast their ballots for Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in the gubernatorial race, while 62% of dissatisfied voters also supported her.
In New Jersey, Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill emerged victorious in the governor's race, with approximately two-thirds of voters expressing dissatisfaction or anger regarding the current situation in the U.S. Notably, 40% of New Jersey voters reported feeling angry, and 90% of these angry voters supported Sherrill, along with about 60% of the dissatisfied voters.
California also reflected a similar trend, as voters approved a Democratic ballot measure to redistrict the state. According to the ABC News exit poll, 74% of California voters indicated they were either angry or dissatisfied. Among these angry voters, approximately 90% voted in favor of the measure, while 60% of dissatisfied voters also supported it.
Hanson emphasized that history has shown numerous instances where significant public dissatisfaction has led to major societal changes, citing movements such as the Civil Rights movement and, in a more extreme context, the Civil War. He remarked on the large protests against Trump’s policies, including deportations and tariffs, noting that even individuals who initially supported Trump’s fiscal promises are growing increasingly discontent. "Americans are feeling more and more unhappy because the issues that troubled them persist and are worsening," Hanson stated.
Hanson pointed to the recent No Kings protests as a manifestation of this widespread frustration, suggesting that many Americans are eager to take action through the electoral process. "People are searching for ways to make a difference and view voting as a critical opportunity for change," he explained. The current political climate indicates that this anger could significantly affect voter motivation as the midterm elections approach, particularly if Trump’s unpopularity continues and legislative stalemates persist.
Given that this recent election was an off-year event, not even a midterm congressional election, the high voter turnout and engagement speak volumes about the current political landscape, according to Hanson.
