Voters Trust American Free Enterprise, Want Government to Stop Micromanaging Business

As the 2024 election season kicks into high gear, the message is clear: whether you are courting Republican, Democratic, or Independent voters, candidates will be well-served to run on an agenda that champions American business, supports jobs and free enterprise, and rejects government intrusion in business decisions.

Recent polling conducted on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce illustrates that voters are supportive of pro-growth policies and pro-business candidates who will help businesses create jobs.

Aggressive agendas from the progressive left and populist right for greater government management of the economy and micromanagement of businesses were decidedly out of step with the views of voters.

Consistent with other recent third-party polling, the Chamber’s research reports that a majority of Republican primary voters want to keep government out of business decisions. Sizeable numbers of Independents and Democrats share the same view.

Voters also favor the positions held by small and large businesses alike on a wide range of critical policy issues, including securing the border and increasing legal immigration, stopping frivolous lawsuits, enacting permitting reform, and pursuing more global trade deals.

Highlights from the June 17-22 national poll of 1,327 registered voters conducted by North Star Opinion Research:

Voters Overwhelmingly Think Business is a Force for Good

Voters Trust their Employers, Small Businesses, Businesses in their Communities and Large Businesses

Even large businesses more trusted than not and are significantly more trusted than the federal government by Republicans and Independents.

Voters, Especially Republicans, Prefer the Free Market to Government Management and Oversight

Republicans, Independents, and More than a Quarter of Democrats Prefer Candidates Who Oppose Micromanagement of Business Decisions

Which of the following candidates do you agree with more?

This is consistent with the recent Times/Siena poll of likely Republican primary voters:

And consistent with recent polling by Echelon Insights of Republican voters:

Voters Support a Wide-Range of Pro-Growth Policies

Majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats are More Likely to Support a Candidate Described as Pro-Business

Political Background Questions:

Generic Congressional Ballot: 

• Democrats have a three-point advantage on the generic ballot with 20% of voters, including 49% of Independents indicating their vote depends on the candidate.
• This is consistent with the latest RealClearPolitics averages and recent polls that show essentially a tie, with narrow shifts in advantages in recent surveys for both Republicans and Democrats.

President Biden Approval:

• 43% of voters approve of the job President Biden is doing, while 54% disapprove.
• These figures are driven by 46% who disapprove strongly, including 48% of Independents.

About the authors

Ashlee Rich Stephenson

Ashlee Rich Stephenson, is a senior political strategist and consultant for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Stephenson advises the Chamber’s political programming, which includes voter education and advocacy, candidate endorsements, and the U.S. Chamber PAC. She also helps develop and execute external issue advocacy campaigns to support the Chamber’s policy and legislative priorities.

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