Survey shows partisan divide along governor approval ratings

James Druckman, the Payson S. Wild Professor of Political Science and Institute for Policy Research associate director is part of a university research consortium, comprising Northwestern, Harvard, Northeastern, and Rutgers. This consortium is leading an ongoing national survey of Americans–investigating vaccine rates, attitudes among Americans, and several other dynamics pertaining to COVID-19.

A survey report published on March 18, 2021, finds that Democrats have increased approval ratings for their governors, especially Republican ones, while Republicans have increased disapproval ratings for their governors, especially when the governor is a Democrat. Additionally, the survey reveals Americans’ approval rating of President Biden’s handling of COVID-19.

“The partisan divide reflects nearly every other COVID-19 dynamic with Democrats favoring caution and public health and Republicans pushing for fewer government restrictions,” said Professor James Druckman.

Professor James Druckman

Read more about this survey in the Institute for Policy Research story: “Democrats More Likely to Approve Their Republican Governors’ Pandemic Performance.”

Related: “Survey shows disparities in vaccine rates and attitudes among Americans“