Candidate Red Flags and Green Flags
What Voters Say They Want in Their Political Candidates in 2026
As the 2026 midterm elections heat up and the 2028 presidential race looms on the horizon, voters are sending clear signals about what they’re looking for in political leaders. New data from Change Research’s internal Compass Poll series, which informs the Change Research Data Portal, reveals exactly what traits make candidates appealing or concerning to the American electorate.
The survey, based on responses from 1,588 likely voters, asked people to evaluate whether various candidate characteristics registered as green flags (positive signals), red flags (negative signals), or made no difference in how they view potential leaders. The results paint a revealing picture of an electorate that says it wants authentic working-class connections while increasingly skeptical of political dynasties and octogenarian candidates. We’ll note one caveat here, though: sometimes expressed preferences and revealed preferences can be quite different, and this research looks only at one side of that.
”Working Class” Takes Center Stage
The strongest green flag for voters in 2026? Being working class. A striking 67% of voters say this trait signals a positive quality in a candidate, with virtually no one viewing it as a negative. This represents one of the few traits that garners near-universal approval across the political spectrum.
The appeal of working-class candidates spans party lines and demographic groups, registering as a green flag with the majority of voters in every income bracket, including the wealthiest voters.
On the opposite end of the economic spectrum, being a billionaire registers as a red flag for 52% of voters. More than two in three independents see billionaire status as a negative for candidates. Being a billionaire polls best among Republicans, but most Republicans remain neutral rather than enthusiastic about candidates with massive personal wealth.
Experience Matters, But Not Too Much
Voters demonstrate a nuanced view of political experience. Having served as a governor emerges as a green flag for 45% of voters, with only 6% viewing it negatively. The trait performs particularly well among Democrats, suggesting the possibility that governors could fare well in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
Interestingly, having no public office experience at all doesn’t register as the liability political insiders often project. While 26% of voters view it as a red flag, 60% say it makes no difference to them. This is especially true among Republicans, who have elected several political outsiders to high office over the past decade.
However, voters draw a sharp line between fresh faces and entrenched insiders. Coming from a political family has become a significant red flag, with 40% of voters viewing it negatively compared to just 4% who see it positively.
The Age Factor Looms Large
Age emerges as one of the strongest factors in the survey. Being over 80 registers as the single strongest red flag tested, with 78% of voters viewing it negatively. The concern crosses party lines, with strong majorities of both Democrats and Republicans saying advanced age is a problem. Even voters who are over 80 themselves largely agree that octogenarians shouldn’t be running for office. (Again, this may diverge from actual electoral results, in which elderly presidential candidates, Senators, and members of Congress have done quite well.)
Youth offers some advantages, though they’re more modest. Being under 40 is a green flag for 27% of voters and makes no difference to 61%. The trait appeals particularly to Democrats and younger voters themselves, but doesn’t help much with Republicans or older Americans. Still, candidates under 40 might be wise to ensure young voters know their age, as it’s one demographic where it consistently pays dividends.
Culture War Issues Cut Both Ways
The survey reveals that being perceived as far left or far right can be a red flag. Being a MAGA Republican is a red flag for 53% of voters, while 25% view it positively. Similarly, identifying as a Democratic Socialist registers as a red flag for 50% of voters, with 24% seeing it as positive.
On specific policy positions, supporting a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants stands out as popular, with 66% viewing it as a green flag. Believing reproductive health decisions should remain between a woman and her doctor also polls well, registering as a green flag for 63% of voters.
Supporting a 12-week abortion ban “to protect the lives of the unborn” becomes a red flag for 46% of voters, while 30% view it positively. The phrasing and framing of abortion positions clearly matter to voters evaluating candidates.
Professional Background Makes a Difference
Certain professional experiences resonate more than others with voters. Being a veteran stands out as particularly positive, with 55% viewing military service as a green flag and only 3% seeing it negatively. Business experience also performs well, with 50% of voters viewing it as a green flag.
Teaching registers positively for 38% of voters, while being a lawyer is a slight red flag (19% negative), despite being a common background for elected officials. Law enforcement experience falls somewhere in the middle, with 32% viewing it positively and 18% negatively.
What It All Means
The data seems to paint a picture of an electorate that values authentic connection to working-class concerns, military service, and political experience that stops short of dynasty status. Voters show clear preferences for candidates in their prime working years rather than those approaching their ninth decade.
As candidates announce their campaigns in the coming months, we’ll see who leans into these green flags and who has to navigate around the red ones.
Change Research surveyed 1,588 likely voters as part of the Compass Poll series, which informs the Change Research Data Portal.