New National Survey Reports Voters Prefer the Free Market to Government Micromanagement and Overreach

As the 2024 election season kicks into high gear, the message is clear: whether you are courting Republican, Democratic, or Independent voters at the local, state, or federal level, 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.

New research conducted on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports a majority of voters are concerned about state government micromanaging private business in a way that could hurt taxpayers and strongly prefer candidates who say state elected officials should refrain from telling industry who they can do business with.

Majorities Concerned about Government Micromanagement of Business, Impact on Taxpayers

Fifty-four percent (54%) of all voters indicate they are more concerned about government micromanaging private business versus allowing business to make decisions they think are best for their customers, even if they don’t align with the personal views of the respondents (46%).

Through partisanship, a large majority of base Republicans (60%) and soft or lean Republican voters (65%) indicate they are more concerned about business being micromanaged. In addition, and nearly aligning with the overall topline, a majority of Independents (55%) indicate a greater concern of government oversight in private industry versus a government that allows business to make decisions they think are best for customers and shareholders (45%).

Overall, the concern about government micromanaging business is driven by voters ages 45-54 (61%), Republican men (64%), Republican women (61%) and Independent women (62%).

Three Quarters Prefer Candidates Who Say State Government Should Not Tell Business and Industry Who They Can Do Business With

When presented with a three-choice option as to which type of candidate voters prefer more, nearly three out of four voters prefer those who say the state government should not tell banks or any other businesses who they can do business with, while also agreeing the government should instead focus on getting the best deals for taxpayers.

Large majorities of all voters across party breaks have a strong preference for the free market-based candidate C. Indeed, support for this candidate is driven by upwards of eighty percent of all Republicans, three quarters of Independents and on average sixty percent or more among base and lean Democrats.

Preference for “candidate C” is driven by voters who live in the Midwest (77%), ages 45-64 (78%), 65+ (81%), men 65+ (79%) and women 65+ (88%).

Political Background Questions and Methodology Report

In addition to survey data collected among issues related to the free market and preference toward the policy positions of elected officials or candidates for office, this research collected key demographic and political information that included self-identified political philosophy and a recollection of party-based support in the 2020 general election.

Interviews for this study were collected from February 15-18, 2024, among n=1,000 registered voters. The margin of error is + 3.53%.

A Growing Trend

This polling is consistent with other recent Chamber polling that shows 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.

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 U.S. Chamber of Commerce 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 author

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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