Vanderbilt Poll: Tennessee sees increase in MAGA supporters

The latest Vanderbilt Poll reflects that the recent election had minimal impact on Tennesseans' stances on key issues — with noteworthy exceptions being increased approval for state lawmakers since May and an increase in self-identified MAGA supporters.

The semiannual statewide poll found registered voters in Tennessee voiced overwhelming support for Medicaid expansion, including 55 percent of MAGA Republicans, with those polled believing that health insurers and pharmaceutical companies are largely responsible for high health care costs.

Widespread support continues for women's health and reproductive care, as more than half of Tennesseans identified as pro-choice and indicated strong support for some specific allowances for abortion.

Also notable was the misalignment between the public's views and the state government's regarding gun reform and legalization of recreational marijuana —both of which have bipartisan backing.

As noted, the poll showed increased approval for state legislators, despite what those polled feel is lawmakers often holding positions on some issues that are out of step with those of Tennesseans.

Views vary by gender, with 60 percent of men believing the state is moving forward in a positive manner, compared with only 41 percent of women. Independents were roughly split on their view of the direction of the state. Three-quarters of non-MAGA Republicans view the state as on the right track —five points higher than MAGA Republicans — while 80 percent of Democrats view the state as on the wrong track.

Since fall 2022, the Vanderbilt Poll has asked self-identified Republican registered voters whether they view themselves more as supporters of the GOP or of the MAGA movement. The latest poll saw a notable increase in those who identify as supporters of MAGA — from 46 percent in May 2024 to 60 percent now.

"While much ink has been spilled about what the election results mean about the electorate, these results suggest little change in the opinions of Tennesseans, which means the misalignment between voters and elected officials continues," John Geer, Vanderbilt Poll co-director and senior advisor to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, said in the release.

Vanderbilt's survey canvassed 955 Tennessee registered voters from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4. The poll was conducted in English.

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