Polling on voter perceptions of Social Security protection by political parties

In an October 2024 poll, 50% of Americans expressed being “very concerned” about the future of Social Security retirement benefits, with 40% indicating some level of concern. This anxiety is particularly pronounced among Generation X, who are most worried about potential reductions in benefits. Polling data reveals that 44% of voters trust Democrats more to protect Social Security, while only 34% favor Republicans. This shift in perception may stem from historical Republican proposals that have included measures such as privatization or cuts to benefits, leading to a growing belief that Democrats are the defenders of Social Security. Despite this, neither presidential candidate, Donald Trump nor Kamala Harris, has made Social Security a prominent issue in their campaigns, which analysts find surprising given the looming funding challenges facing the Social Security Administration.

Voter Concerns and Party Trust

• Generational Anxiety: 56% of Generation X voters are “very concerned” about the future of Social Security, reflecting a broader unease about retirement security as they approach retirement age. In contrast, Generation Z shows less concern, with only 37% expressing significant worry.

• Democratic Advantage: The polling data indicates a shift in trust towards Democrats, with an increase from 41% to 44% of voters believing they are better protectors of Social Security since February. This contrasts with a slight increase for Republicans from 31% to 34%.

Implications for the Election

Despite the high levels of concern and the apparent preference for Democratic stewardship of Social Security, the issue has not prominently featured in the election discourse. Analysts suggest that both parties may be avoiding the topic due to the potential need for unpopular solutions, such as tax increases or benefit cuts, to address the impending funding crisis. This avoidance could hinder the ability of voters to make informed decisions based on the candidates’ plans for Social Security.