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Executive Summary
In partnership with RepresentWomen, Murmuration surveyed 5,038 adults nationwide to better understand how Americans think about political leadership, women's representation in government, and the future of American democracy.
The findings reveal a public that is deeply dissatisfied with the status quo but not disengaged from democratic ideals. Majorities of Americans believe the political system needs change, want greater voter choice, and prefer candidates who think independently rather than simply follow party agendas.
Within that broader appetite for reform, Americans express significant openness to increasing women's representation in government, with 48% believing gender parity in representation would result in a more trustworthy and effective government. Many believe women bring different perspectives to leadership, improve representation, and help government better reflect the communities it serves. Support for women's representation in government extends across regions and community types, although it is strongest among younger adults, women, and urban residents. Yet support for women's representation is strongest when understood as part of a larger desire for fairer, more responsive, and more representative institutions.
The findings also suggest that, across demographic and partisan groups, voters place greater importance on candidates' experiences and views than their party affiliation, and they consistently favor systems that give voters more power rather than political parties.
Young adults stand out as the generation most likely to support democratic reform, women's representation, and changes to existing electoral systems. This support is especially strong among young women, who emerge as the survey's strongest advocates for increasing women's representation and for leadership that better reflects the experiences of diverse communities. Compared to older Americans, younger adults are more optimistic about new forms of political leadership and more likely to believe government can be improved through structural change.
At a time when trust in political institutions remains low, Americans appear united around one central idea: democracy works best when more people feel represented, heard, and empowered to participate. Importantly, this appetite for reform is being expressed not only by disengaged Americans, but also by those who continue to participate in elections and civic life.
Key Findings
1. Americans are dissatisfied with politics but remain committed to democracy.
2. Americans believe the political system needs significant change.
3. People want more representation, more choice, and less party control.
4. Increasing women's representation is seen as beneficial for democracy.
5. Support for women leaders is growing, but barriers remain.
6. Younger Americans are driving support for change.
"Lasting change happens when the people closest to their communities have the opportunity to help shape their future. Throughout history, women have been at the heart of building stronger communities through everyday acts of leadership, service, and civic participation. It's imperative that women have not just one, but many seats at the table, so that their experiences, perspectives, and needs are fully considered in the spirit of democratic representation."
— Emma Bloomberg, Founder and CEO, Murmuration
About Murmuration
Murmuration is a non-profit that organizes a network of partners and equips them with the insights, tools, and services needed to help communities build and activate the power to transform America into a nation where everyone thrives.
For inquiries related to research, data, or methodology, please contact research@murmuration.org. For media, press, or interview requests, please contact press@murmuration.org.
About RepresentWomen
RepresentWomen is a nonpartisan research and action hub that advances women's representation by researching, understanding, and championing evidence-based solutions that address the structural barriers women face as candidates and elected officials. RepresentWomen equips changemakers with viable, scalable, and transformative policies and reforms to build women’s political power, including ranked choice voting, proportional representation, and legislative modernization. RepresentWomen also supports local, state, and federal efforts to educate voters, elected officials, and candidate training organizations with expert testimony, presentations, and convenings. To learn more, visit www.representwomen.org.
Data Attribution Guidelines
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