The political winds of change are blowing for both major parties

A major political shift is underway in Washington and across the US – beyond new leadership changes at the White House and on Capitol Hill.

Today, we’ll be kicking off a two-part series focused on how both the Republican and Democratic Parties have changed in recent years, in terms of both their bases of support and their recent policy positions.

The Republican Party, fresh off its landslide victory in the 2024 election, is first on the list.

The GOP’s base of support

The Republican Party holds a clear advantage among several major demographic groups, according to exit polls from the 2024 election. These include men, voters aged 45-64, rural and suburban voters, people without a college degree, White voters, and Latino men.

And while Republicans may be trailing among other groups, they appear to be making inroads across the board.

• Data from this month’s election shows President-elect Trump gained ground in nearly every key demographic compared to his previous run – including gender, education, urban vs. rural, and age (except those aged 65+, where Trump neither gained nor lost support).

Republican policy positions

Since the era of President Ronald Reagan, the Republican party has largely promoted traditional conservative values: a smaller, less active federal government, free enterprise and free trade, American leadership on the international stage, and opposition to abortion rights.

But in recent years – and especially following this month’s election – the GOP appears more in tune with populist conservatives across America, with a corresponding adjustment in their general policy positions.

• Generally speaking, Republicans today largely oppose significant spending cuts aimed at addressing the rising federal debt and deficit; support large-scale tariffs on imported goods; question whether US resources should be committed to international issues; and oppose national-level abortion restrictions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Looking ahead… Starting in January, the GOP will be tasked with running the White House and both chambers of Congress. It represents a strong position to enact key Republican policies, though the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold poses a significant roadblock for most legislation.

📊 Flash poll: In general, do you prefer the Republican Party of today, or the GOP of previous decades?

• Republicans today
• Republicans in previous decades
• Unsure/other