A recent Navigator Research poll, conducted during the 10-day period around Election Day, revealed that most voters in the 2024 elections feared Donald Trump would grant additional tax cuts to wealthy individuals and corporations if reelected president. The survey also found that Harris supporters cited her pledge to increase taxes on the wealthy and large corporations as their second-highest motivation for backing the Vice President. These findings demonstrate the broad appeal and effectiveness of progressive tax messaging.

“As Democrats regroup after a disappointing election cycle, moving forward they should embrace one of their most popular policy positions—raising taxes on the rich and corporations. Voters across the spectrum continue to support this stance even after Republicans gained power,” said ATF executive director David Kass. “Democrats must prioritize tax fairness in their messaging and agenda by leveraging their public trust on this issue. This is especially true as the GOP pursues trillions in tax cuts for wealthy elites and large corporations during a time of rising inequality. This isn’t just good policy—it’s smart politics. Voters understand that our economy and tax system are broken, and we must confront both the policies and powerful interests maintaining this thoroughly rejected status quo.”

Polling Highlights: 

1. Raising Taxes on Rich: Key Issue for Harris Voters: Making wealthy and corporations “pay their fair share” ranked second among Harris voters’ top reasons for support, at 33%.
2. Trump Voters Rejected Tax Increase Claims: Only one-fifth of non-Harris voters believed she would raise taxes on working and middle class, ranking it #12 among concerns.
3. Harris Led on Tax Fairness: Harris held a 14-point lead over Trump (47% to 33%) on wealthy/corporate tax policy. Democrats led Republicans by 5 points (46% to 41%) on overall tax trust.
4. Voters Concerned About Trump’s Tax Plans: 52% saw Trump’s potential tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations as a “legitimate concern” – ranking above worries about abortion bans or entitlement cuts.
5. Despite Tax Advantage, Harris Perceived as Less Focused on the Issue: Tax policy ranked 9th among Harris’s perceived focus areas versus 4th for Trump, potentially undermining her advantage on the issue.