Marquette Law School National Poll on Political Topics

The Marquette Law School Poll will release the results of its national survey of public opinion over two days, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Although several programs offered in the Law School’s Lubar Center have resumed “in person,” these national results will be released only online, via written releases and video conversations between poll director Charles Franklin and Alan Borsuk, senior fellow in law and public policy.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Marquette Law School Poll will release results pertaining to public opinion about the U.S. Supreme Court. The survey looks at approval of, and confidence in, the Supreme Court and other institutions. The poll surveys opinion concerning cases currently before the Court involving the consideration of race in college admissions, whether religious views can justify a business in denying services to gay or lesbian customers, and the extent to which state legislatures can regulate federal elections independent of state court review. Views of recent decisions on abortion and the right to possess guns outside the home are also included. Information about attention to recent decisions and knowledge of the author of the Dobbs decision provides insight into public awareness of the Court. This is the 11th installment in a series of nationwide surveys, begun in 2019, measuring public understanding and opinion of the nation’s highest court.

The second release, on Thursday, Dec. 1, will concern findings of the Marquette Law School Poll’s national survey of policy preferences and political topics. This release will examine public opinion in the wake of the midterm elections and former President Donald Trump’s announcement of candidacy for the 2024 Republican nomination for president. The survey updates favorability toward potential Republican candidates including Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice-President Mike Pence, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. The survey also looks at opinions about potential Democratic 2024 presidential contestants, including President Joe Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Favorability to former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama is also included. Trial heats between Trump and DeSantis for the Republican nomination, and between Biden and Trump, and between Biden and DeSantis are measured. A number of public policy issues are also considered, including aid to Ukraine and America’s role in the world.

Discussions will be available via the “Watch Now” button above. Each video and written release and corresponding data will be available at 6 a.m. ET (5 a.m. CT) on the Marquette Law School Poll website.