Priorities, Power and Perspectives:
Black Women & the 2026 Elections
10th ANNUAL BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE POWER OF THE SISTER VOTE POLL RELEASE - PART TWO
NCBCP/BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE
National survey of 1,000 Black women registered voters
Fielded July 8th - July 17th 2026
RELEASED: August 6, 2026 - 61st Anniversary of the Signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Conducted by:
Katrina Gamble, PhD · CEO of Sojourn Strategies
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key findings
What the 2026 BWR Power of the Sister Vote Survey tells us.
The mood has cratered, but engagement has not. Black women remain determined even as concerns about the country rise and trust in institutions fall.
1
From discontent to determination
2
Economic strain is the common through line and priority
3
Black women are in protection mode
4
Black women are mostly moderate, but there is a significant shift to the Left
2
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
SECTION 1
State of the Country
National mood, the economy, job approval, and institutional trust
CHANGE OVER TIME: 2024 → 2026
The National Mood Has Darkened
Views on the economy and the country’s direction, 2024 vs. 2026
Since 2024, economic pessimism has surged — those saying the economy is getting worse rose from 56% to 78%, and dissatisfaction with the country’s direction climbed from 65% to 83%.
2024
2026
8
Say the economy is getting worse
+22 pts
2024
56%
2026
78%
Dissatisfied with the country’s direction
+18 pts
2024
65%
2026
83%
2026: Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000). 2024: NCBCP/Essence/BWR Black Women's Issues Poll (n=800), Feb 2024.
JOB APPROVAL
Presidential Approval
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as President?
Just 12% approve of President Trump; 76% strongly disapprove. This sentiment is consistent across generations and education levels.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Strongly approve | 4% | 7% | 3% | 1% | 5% | 5% | 2% |
Somewhat approve | 8% | 8% | 8% | 9% | 8% | 8% | 7% |
Somewhat disapprove | 10% | 12% | 12% | 7% | 10% | 11% | 8% |
Strongly disapprove | 76% | 72% | 73% | 81% | 77% | 74% | 82% |
Don't know | 2% | 1% | 4% | 2% | 0% | 2% | 1% |
Approve (NET) | 12% | 15% | 11% | 10% | 13% | 13% | 9% |
Disapprove (NET) | 86% | 84% | 85% | 88% | 87% | 85% | 90% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
9
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
JOB APPROVAL
Congressional Approval
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job?
Only 15% approve of Congress; disapproval is broad at 75%.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Strongly approve | 3% | 6% | 3% | 1% | 3% | 4% | 2% |
Somewhat approve | 12% | 18% | 12% | 11% | 10% | 13% | 9% |
Somewhat disapprove | 25% | 23% | 25% | 24% | 28% | 25% | 24% |
Strongly disapprove | 50% | 41% | 47% | 55% | 53% | 47% | 58% |
Don't know | 10% | 12% | 13% | 9% | 6% | 11% | 7% |
Approve (NET) | 15% | 24% | 15% | 12% | 13% | 17% | 11% |
Disapprove (NET) | 75% | 64% | 72% | 79% | 81% | 72% | 82% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
10
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
INSTITUTIONAL TRUST
Trust in Government
How much do you trust each part of government to do what is right?
State (53%) and local (58%) government earn the most trust. There is deep distrust of Federal institutions — 75% of Black women distrust the presidency and even 60% distrust SCOTUS.
A great deal
A fair amount
Not too much
Not at all
Your local government
12%
46%
28%
14%
Your state government
11%
42%
32%
15%
The U.S. Supreme Court
9%
31%
34%
26%
Congress
7%
26%
40%
27%
The presidency
7%
18%
18%
57%
◀ more trust less trust ▶
11
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
INSTITUTIONAL TRUST
Trust in Elected Officials
How much do you trust elected officials to do each of these?
Trust in officials is thin across the board: highest for solving local problems (45% great deal + fair amount) and lowest for looking out for Black people (33%). Even “look out for Black women” just clears just 36%.
A great deal
A fair amount
Not too much
Not at all
Solve problems in your community
9%
36%
37%
18%
Look out for people like you
11%
28%
36%
25%
Look out for Black women
16%
20%
36%
28%
Look out for Black people
10%
23%
34%
33%
◀ more trust less trust ▶
12
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
SECTION 2
Issues, the Economy & Quality of Life
What matters most, the cost-of-living squeeze, and quality of life
SECTION 5 · KEY FINDINGS
Issues, the Economy & Quality of Life
What matters most, the cost-of-living squeeze, and what moves a vote
1
Economic issues such as cost of living (86%) and protecting Social Security and Medicare (85%) are extremely important to Black women.
2
Issues that affect the Black community are also seen as very important – fighting racism and discrimination (82%), teaching Black history in schools (81%), protecting voting rights (81%), and reducing Black maternal and infant deaths (81%).
3
Economic strain is not just an issue priority, on a number of measures Black women are facing deep financial strain and economic insecurity.
42
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters ·
ISSUES
Issue Importance (1 of 2)
How important is each issue to you? (% rating 8–10 “very important”)
Importance runs high and closely bunched at the top: cost of living (86%) and Social Security & Medicare (85%) lead, with eight issues clustered at 81–82% — jobs, Black history, maternal health, healthcare costs, and voting rights.
Reducing cost of living
86%
Protecting Social Security and Medicare
85%
Fighting discrimination and racism (SA)
82%
Creating good-paying jobs with benefits
81%
Protecting the teaching of Black history in schools
81%
Reducing Black maternal/infant deaths
81%
Bringing down healthcare/prescription costs
81%
Protecting voting rights
81%
Lowering taxes for working families
79%
Lowering the crime rate (SA)
75%
Expanding K-12 education resources (SA)
74%
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · % rating 8–10 on a 0–10 scale; some items asked of a random half-sample, marked SA/SB.· Items 1–11 of 22.
43
ISSUES
Issue Importance (2 of 2)
How important is each issue to you? (% rating 8–10 “very important”)
The lower half still clears 57–70% for most — employment discrimination, student debt, childcare, SCOTUS reform, and abortion — with only stronger immigration enforcement (30%) rating low.
Address employment discrimination
70%
Reducing student debt / college costs
70%
Increasing access to quality, affordable childcare
69%
Increasing taxes on wealthy individuals
68%
Reforming the U.S. Supreme Court
68%
Passing paid family and medical leave
68%
Protecting a woman's right to abortion
68%
Ending global wars
65%
Reducing funding for ICE
61%
Stopping climate change and pollution
57%
Stronger immigration/border enforcement
30%
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · % rating 8–10 on a 0–10 scale; some items asked of a random half-sample. Items 12–22 of 22.
44
LIFE SATISFACTION
Whole Life
How satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?
Most Black women (68%) are satisfied with life overall, but nearly 3 in 10 are not.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millen. | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very satisfied | 19% | 21% | 17% | 21% | 16% | 18% | 19% |
Satisfied | 49% | 49% | 46% | 42% | 61% | 49% | 50% |
Dissatisfied | 21% | 20% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 20% | 23% |
Very dissatisfied | 8% | 5% | 9% | 10% | 5% | 9% | 6% |
Don’t know | 3% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 2% | 4% | 2% |
Satisfied (NET) | 68% | 70% | 63% | 63% | 77% | 67% | 69% |
Dissatisfied (NET) | 29% | 25% | 33% | 33% | 21% | 29% | 29% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
50
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence;
QUALITY OF LIFE
Why Black Women Feel Satisfied with Life
Open-ended responses — “Why do you feel that way?” (asked of those satisfied; n = 665)
Satisfaction rests on family, health, faith, and gratitude for the basics: being alive, food on the table, and a roof overhead.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters
51
QUALITY OF LIFE
Why Black Women Feel Dissatisfied with Life
Open-ended responses — “Why do you feel that way?” (asked of those dissatisfied; n = 290)
Dissatisfaction is almost entirely economic — money, high prices, the cost of living, and not having enough to get by.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters
62
SECTION 3
Civic Leadership, Voting Rights & Voter Suppression Concerns
Concern for the franchise and Black women’s political leadership
SECTION 4 · KEY FINDINGS
Civic Leadership, Voting Rights, and Voter Suppression Concerns
Concern for franchise and Black women’s political leadership
1
85% of Black women are concerned about the U.S. Supreme Court weakening the Voting Rights Act – 65% very concerned.
2
Mail-ballot problems (36%) and ICE at polling places (35%) are top 2026 voter suppression fears. Young Black women are especially concerned about ICE at polling places (42%) and violence breaking out after elections results are announced (37%).
37
3
While Black women see momentum in more Black women running for office (87%), they also believe Black women face major challenges once they run for office, including having a hard time raising money (86%) and increasing attacks on Black women leadership(84%).
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
VOTING RIGHTS
Concern: Weakening the Voting Rights Act
How concerned are you about the Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act?*
85% are concerned about the Supreme Court weakening the Voting Rights Act — concern is most intense among older Black women (Gen X and Boomers) and those with college degrees.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very concerned | 65% | 57% | 57% | 71% | 70% | 61% | 74% |
Somewhat concerned | 20% | 33% | 26% | 15% | 13% | 23% | 14% |
Not too concerned | 4% | 6% | 4% | 2% | 6% | 4% | 3% |
Not concerned at all | 3% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 2% |
Not sure | 8% | 3% | 10% | 9% | 7% | 8% | 7% |
Concerned (NET) | 85% | 90% | 83% | 86% | 83% | 84% | 88% |
Not concerned (NET) | 7% | 7% | 7% | 5% | 10% | 8% | 5% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
38
* Full question: Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that weakened a key part of the Voting Rights Act. The decision makes it harder to challenge congressional and other maps that reduce the voting power of Black voters and other voters of color. How concerned are you about this decision?
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
VOTING RIGHTS
Voter Suppression Concerns
Which are you most concerned about happening in your community in the 2026 elections? (up to three)
Mail-ballot problems (36%) and ICE at polling places (35%) top the list of 2026 concerns.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Mail ballots being rejected or delayed | 36% | 29% | 33% | 36% | 42% | 33% | 42% |
ICE presence at polling places | 35% | 42% | 30% | 31% | 41% | 35% | 37% |
False info about voting times/locations spreading | 29% | 27% | 30% | 29% | 27% | 28% | 30% |
Violence breaking out after election results announced | 25% | 37% | 26% | 24% | 19% | 26% | 23% |
Long lines at polling places in Black neighborhoods | 24% | 21% | 27% | 23% | 23% | 23% | 26% |
None of these | 21% | 13% | 18% | 24% | 26% | 21% | 21% |
Polling places closing or moving last-minute | 16% | 17% | 17% | 16% | 14% | 14% | 19% |
Poll workers challenging your eligibility to vote | 16% | 21% | 22% | 12% | 13% | 17% | 15% |
ID requirements you can't meet | 14% | 19% | 18% | 10% | 11% | 15% | 11% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence · Multi-response; up to three selections. Top 9 shown.
39
BLACK WOMEN LEADERSHIP
Perceptions of Black Women’s Leadership
% who strongly or somewhat agree with each statement, by subgroup
Black women see momentum and headwinds at once: 87% say more are running than ever, but 86% say it is harder for them to raise money and 84% see attacks on Black women’s leadership increasing.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
More Black women are running for political office than ever before. | 87% | 85% | 84% | 86% | 91% | 86% | 88% |
Black women candidates have a harder time raising money than white women or men | 86% | 89% | 87% | 83% | 85% | 84% | 88% |
Attacks on Black women’s leadership are increasing. | 84% | 88% | 88% | 83% | 79% | 84% | 85% |
Black women who run for office are often not seen as having a real chance to win. | 81% | 85% | 86% | 81% | 73% | 80% | 84% |
Voters are more open to supporting Black women candidates than they used to be. | 68% | 67% | 69% | 64% | 72% | 70% | 63% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
40
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
SECTION 4
Civic Engagement, Civic Power, Ideology
Ideology, civic engagement, and belief in vote and collective power
SECTION 2 · KEY FINDINGS
Civic Engagement, Civic Power & Ideology
Where Black women stand and how closely they follow politics
1
Black women are very politically engaged and have high levels of both individual and collective efficacy. 70% feel their vote has real power to create change — up 20 points since 2024.Two-thirds (67%) see the Black community as powerful.
2
3
Nearly a majority of Black women are moderate (48%), with 35% progressive and 17% conservative. However, among progressive Black women, 42% consider themselves Democratic Socialists.
15
Despite the economic and political concern, half (50%) of Black women believe their voice can make a difference; only 20% say they’ve tuned out of politics for peace of mind.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Political Interest
How closely do you follow what's going on in government and public affairs?
Black women are very politically engaged, 70% follow government at least some or most of the time; attention especially high for boomers and college educated Black women.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Most of the time | 35% | 28% | 25% | 37% | 46% | 32% | 42% |
Some of the time | 35% | 38% | 38% | 29% | 35% | 37% | 31% |
Only now and then | 18% | 23% | 20% | 18% | 13% | 18% | 17% |
Hardly at all | 10% | 8% | 14% | 14% | 5% | 11% | 9% |
Don't know | 2% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
Follow closely (NET) | 70% | 66% | 63% | 66% | 81% | 69% | 73% |
% following “most of the time” by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
35%
Total
28%
Gen Z
25%
Millen.
37%
Gen X
46%
Boomer
32%
< Coll
42%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
CIVIC POWER
Power of Your Vote
How much power do you feel that your vote has to create change? (0 = none, 10 = a lot)
70% feel their vote is powerful — belief in the vote holds across every subgroup. Non-college educated Black women have a higher sense of vote power than Black women with college degrees.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very powerful (8-10) | 47% | 40% | 43% | 50% | 49% | 49% | 41% |
Somewhat powerful (6-7) | 23% | 24% | 26% | 19% | 24% | 21% | 27% |
Neutral (5) | 15% | 19% | 14% | 17% | 14% | 15% | 15% |
Not very powerful (3-4) | 9% | 11% | 10% | 9% | 7% | 8% | 12% |
Not powerful at all (0-2) | 6% | 6% | 7% | 5% | 6% | 7% | 5% |
Powerful (NET) (6-10) | 70% | 64% | 69% | 69% | 73% | 70% | 68% |
Not powerful (NET) (0-4) | 15% | 17% | 17% | 14% | 13% | 15% | 17% |
50% → 70%
Since 2024, the share who feel their vote has real power (rated 6–10) has jumped 20 points — belief in the ballot is strengthening, not fading.
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
CIVIC POWER
Power of the Black Community
How much power do you feel the Black community has to change things? (0 = none, 10 = a lot)
Black community power is about as high as individual vote power. Two-thirds (67%) see the Black community as having power to change things and nearly half (48%) say “very powerful.”
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very powerful (8-10) | 48% | 52% | 47% | 45% | 48% | 49% | 45% |
Somewhat powerful (7-6) | 19% | 15% | 22% | 18% | 19% | 19% | 20% |
Neutral (5) | 17% | 18% | 13% | 17% | 21% | 17% | 16% |
Not very powerful (3-4) | 10% | 11% | 12% | 13% | 6% | 10% | 12% |
Not powerful at all (0-2) | 6% | 4% | 6% | 7% | 6% | 5% | 7% |
Powerful (NET) (6-10) | 67% | 67% | 69% | 63% | 67% | 68% | 65% |
Not powerful (NET) (0-4) | 16% | 15% | 18% | 20% | 12% | 15% | 19% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
18
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
CIVIC POWER
Political Burnout & Efficacy
Which statement best describes how you feel about politics these days?
Half (50%) say their voice can make a difference; 30% have thought about tuning out, but understands it matters too much and 20% have tuned out for peace of mind.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
My voice can make a difference | 50% | 52% | 49% | 48% | 51% | 52% | 46% |
Thought about tuning out, but it matters too much | 30% | 27% | 25% | 31% | 35% | 28% | 33% |
Politics is exhausting — tuned out for peace of mind | 20% | 21% | 26% | 21% | 14% | 20% | 21% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
19
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
Party Identification
7-point scale — strong, not-very-strong, and leaning partisans shown separately.
Strong Democratic identification jumped 17 points to 57% — the party's core intensified.
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Strong Democrat | 40% | 57% | +17 |
Not very strong Democrat | 23% | 17% | −6 |
Lean Democrat | 9% | 7% | −2 |
Independent | 14% | 7% | −7 |
Lean Republican | 3% | 3% | 0 |
Not very strong Republican | 5% | 3% | −2 |
Strong Republican | 6% | 5% | −1 |
Something else / Other | 5% | 1% | −4 |
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Political Ideology
Generally speaking, how would you describe your own political ideology?
A plurality (48%) call themselves moderate; 35% progressive, 17% conservative — with youth well to the left.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very progressive | 18% | 28% | 20% | 15% | 13% | 16% | 22% |
Somewhat progressive | 17% | 14% | 19% | 14% | 17% | 14% | 22% |
Moderate | 48% | 42% | 47% | 54% | 49% | 50% | 46% |
Somewhat conservative | 9% | 8% | 8% | 7% | 12% | 9% | 7% |
Very conservative | 8% | 8% | 6% | 10% | 9% | 11% | 3% |
Progressive (NET) | 35% | 42% | 39% | 29% | 30% | 30% | 44% |
Conservative (NET) | 17% | 16% | 14% | 17% | 21% | 20% | 10% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
2-
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Democratic Socialism Among Progressive Black Women
Roughly a third of Black women who identify as progressive (35%); of them, 42% consider themselves “Democratic Socialist
AMONG PROGRESSIVES (n ≈ 350): “WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST?”
42%
Yes
24%
No
18%
Not sure
16%
Never heard of it
Other progressives
Conservatives
Would you consider yourself a Democratic Socialist? [Asked only of self-identified progressives.]
Methods note. At this base the margin of error is roughly ±5 points; treat results as directional, not precise. The full-sample estimate (≈15%) is approximate.
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Party Characteristics
For each trait, which party it best describes — % naming the Democratic vs. the Republican Party.
Democrats are identified with all positive traits by wide margins; Republicans are primarily identified with negatives — “undermines democracy” (58%) and “steals elections” (60%).
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Supports DEI programs (SA)
5%
73%
Supports Black women's leadership
3%
71%
Fights discrimination and racism
4%
70%
Protects voting rights
5%
70%
Improves Black lives
4%
67%
Supports workers' rights (SB)
5%
64%
Improves Black job opportunities
5%
64%
Reduces the cost of living
7%
61%
Delivers on their promises (SA)
4%
48%
Gets things done (SB)
8%
50%
Serves special interests
42%
25%
Undermines Black voting power
58%
19%
Undermines democracy (SA)
58%
18%
Tries to steal elections (SB)
60%
18%
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. % naming each party as best describing the trait; “both/neither” not shown. Some items split-sample, marked SA/SB
23
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Where Democrats Fall Short
For each trait, which party it best describes — % naming the Democratic vs. the Republican Party.
On some measures there are signs of weakness for the Democratic party. Nearly 1 in 3 Black women say neither party delivers on promises and 27% say neither party gets things done.
% who credit the Democratic Party
% who withhold credit (neither / both)
Delivers on their promises
48%
33% say NEITHER party delivers
Gets things done
50%
27% say NEITHER party
Improves Black job opportunities
64%
18% say NEITHER party
Serves special interests
25%
15% say BOTH parties do
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
2026 ELECTION
Emotions About Politics
Which emotions best describe how you're feeling about politics and the 2026 elections? (up to two) — % by subgroup
“Hopeful” and “motivated to take action” lead (28% each) — but anxiety and cynicism run close behind.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Hopeful | 28% | 24% | 24% | 26% | 37% | 30% | 26% |
Motivated to take action | 28% | 26% | 23% | 25% | 35% | 28% | 28% |
Anxious | 21% | 25% | 26% | 20% | 13% | 20% | 21% |
Cynical or distrustful | 18% | 14% | 18% | 19% | 17% | 15% | 23% |
Afraid or worried | 17% | 21% | 16% | 19% | 15% | 18% | 16% |
Overwhelmed | 12% | 16% | 14% | 12% | 8% | 11% | 14% |
Disillusioned or let down | 11% | 12% | 10% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 13% |
None of the above | 9% | 7% | 10% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 8% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence · Multi-response; up to two selections. Top 8 shown.
29
SECTION 5
Voting Behavior & the 2026 Election
2026 Elections, motivation, and priorities
SECTION 5 · KEY FINDINGS
Voting Behavior & the 2026 Election
2026 Elections, motivation, and priorities
1
Vote likelihood for the 2026 elections is high – 69% of Black women say they will definitely vote in November.
2
Two-thirds are extremely motivated to vote. However, vote motivation is lower for younger generations.
3
Protecting the social safety is the highest issue priority for the 2026 elections, followed by cost of living. Black women are also more likely to support candidates that address the cost of living, racial justice, and voting rights.
26
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
2026 ELECTION
Likelihood of Voting in 2026
How likely are you to vote in the November 2026 elections?
69% will definitely vote — and turnout intent climbs steeply with age.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Definitely vote | 69% | 56% | 61% | 72% | 81% | 66% | 76% |
Probably vote | 11% | 20% | 11% | 9% | 10% | 12% | 11% |
50-50 | 15% | 19% | 21% | 14% | 6% | 16% | 10% |
Probably won't | 3% | 2% | 5% | 3% | 2% | 4% | 2% |
Definitely not | 2% | 3% | 2% | 2% | 1% | 2% | 1% |
Likely to vote (NET) | 80% | 76% | 72% | 81% | 91% | 78% | 87% |
% “Definitely vote” by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
69%
Total
56%
Gen Z
61%
Millen.
72%
Gen X
81%
Boomer
66%
< Coll
76%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
2026 ELECTION
Motivation to Vote
How motivated are you to vote in this year's election? (0 = not at all, 10 = extremely)
Two-thirds (67%) are extremely motivated to vote in 2026.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Extremely motivated (8-10) | 67% | 62% | 60% | 65% | 80% | 66% | 70% |
Somewhat motivated (6-7) | 15% | 16% | 18% | 18% | 6% | 15% | 13% |
Neutral (5) | 10% | 17% | 9% | 9% | 7% | 10% | 9% |
Somewhat unmotivated (3-4) | 3% | 2% | 6% | 2% | 3% | 3% | 4% |
Not motivated at all (0-2) | 5% | 3% | 7% | 6% | 4% | 6% | 4% |
Motivated (NET) (6-10) | 82% | 78% | 78% | 83% | 86% | 81% | 83% |
% extremely motivated by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
67%
Total
62%
Gen Z
60%
Millen.
65%
Gen X
80%
Boomer
66%
< Coll
70%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
2024 → 2026 · ENGAGEMENT
Commitment deepened as conditions worsened
Turnout intent, motivation, and hope, compared with 2024.
Turnout intent and motivation both rose even as hope about elections declined.
Will definitely vote
56% → 69%
2024
2026
▲ rose with the stakes
Extremely motivated to vote
47% → 67%
2024
2026
▲ rose with the stakes
Hopeful about elections
43% → 28%
2024
2026
▼ hope thinned
30
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
ISSUES
2026 Election Issue Priorities
Thinking about the upcoming election, what should the 2026 elections be most about? (select up to three)
Protecting the safety net (47%) edges out lowering costs (43%) as the top priority for 2026.
Protecting social safety net
47%
Tackling rising prices and bringing down costs
43%
Lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription meds
31%
Creating more jobs and increasing wages
28%
Protecting voting rights
27%
Stopping the erasure of Black history and culture
22%
Reducing gun violence and expanding gun safety laws
19%
Reducing funding for ICE
16%
Protecting access to reproductive healthcare, incl. abortion
13%
Combatting discrimination and racism
12%
Ending global wars
11%
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Multi-response; up to three selections.
31
ISSUES · NUANCE
Issue Priorities — the Generational Divide
Where the youngest and oldest cohorts diverge most on 2026 priorities (% selecting).
Boomers prioritize the safety net and voting rights; younger women lean to jobs, reproductive rights, climate, and Black history. Most other issues move together.
Gen Z
Boomer
Protect the social safety net
38%
57%
Protect voting rights
23%
35%
Lower healthcare costs
26%
35%
Create jobs, raise wages
37%
15%
Protect reproductive rights
19%
5%
Stop erasure of Black history
15%
23%
Address climate change
14%
6%
32
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
CHANGE OVER TIME: 2024 → 2026
Issue Priorities
Thinking about the upcoming election, what do you think the election should be most about? 2024 vs. 2026
Protecting the social safety net has overtaken inflation as Black women’s single top priority, rising from 21% in 2024 to 47% in 2026.
2024
2026
2024
Tackling inflation & bringing down costs
39%
Improving the economy & increasing wages
35%
Reducing gun violence
29%
Protecting the social safety net
21%
2026
Protecting the social safety net
47%
Tackling rising prices & bringing down costs
43%
Lowering healthcare & prescription costs
31%
Creating jobs & increasing wages
28%
2026: Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000). 2024: NCBCP/Essence/BWR Black Women's Issues Poll (n=800), Feb 2024.
PARTIES & CANDIDATES
Candidate Support by Issue
Are you more or less likely to support a candidate committed to each? (% “more likely”), by subgroup
Cost of living (89%), racial justice and voting rights (86% each) are the strongest drivers of candidate support. Young voters are more likely to support candidates who support abortion rights.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Cost of living | 89% | 81% | 88% | 90% | 93% | 87% | 92% |
Racial justice | 86% | 86% | 87% | 83% | 86% | 84% | 91% |
Voting rights | 86% | 80% | 84% | 87% | 91% | 84% | 93% |
Restore DEI | 79% | 75% | 78% | 79% | 80% | 77% | 82% |
Abortion rights | 70% | 79% | 72% | 71% | 63% | 68% | 76% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
34
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
IMPLICATIONS FOR 2026
What this means for 2026
1
Turnout ceiling is high - Black women are motivated
Enthusiasm around voting is high among Black women across demographics. Young voters are slightly less motivated and likely require more mobilization efforts.
2
Cost of living & addressing economic insecurity is a universal priority
Cost of living is the strongest vote-mover in the survey. Lead with economic issues (safety net, healthcare, housing), but also get specific on addressing the disparities Black women are facing.
3
It is about the future, but also protecting existing rights
While cost of living and economic issues are a priority, Black women also have a defensive agenda – protect the safety net, voting rights, and Black history. Message on both.
4
Do not assume ideological homogeneity
While most identify as moderate, a significant portion of Black women identify as progressives – especially young Black women. And among progressive Black women there is a significant Democratic Socialist pole.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters
THANK YOU
APPENDIX
Who We Surveyed
Sample composition and demographic crosstabs
APPENDIX · SAMPLE PROFILE
Who We Surveyed — Topline
Composition of the n=1,000 national sample of Black women.
A predominantly Southern (58%), Christian, working-to-middle-income sample spanning five generations.
Generation
Gen Z
15%
Millennial
29%
Gen X
28%
Boomer
26%
Silent
2%
Age
18–34
28%
35–49
25%
50–64
26%
65+
21%
Education
< College
69%
College+
31%
Household income
< $30K
37%
$30–60K
28%
$60–100K
18%
$100K+
13%
Region
South
58%
Northeast
17%
Midwest
16%
West
9%
Ancestry
African-American
90%
African
6%
Caribbean
5%
Hispanic
2%
Religion
Protestant
40%
Nothing in particular
26%
Something else
20%
Catholic
9%
Household & identity
Parent of minor
29%
LGBTQ+
11%
Attend church weekly+
34%
Born-again (of Prot.)
49%
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. . Topline percentages; “$100K+” combines two bands; income excludes 4% “prefer not to say.”
56
APPENDIX · SAMPLE PROFILE
Household Income by Generation & Education
Family's annual income.
Just over a third earn under $30K and roughly two-thirds under $60K; income skews lower among Gen Z and the less-educated.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Less than $30,000 | 37% | 41% | 33% | 41% | 36% | 48% | 13% |
$30,000-$59,999 | 28% | 27% | 32% | 22% | 30% | 29% | 25% |
$60,000-$99,999 | 18% | 17% | 18% | 18% | 18% | 14% | 28% |
$100,000-$149,999 | 7% | 6% | 7% | 8% | 5% | 4% | 12% |
$150,000+ | 6% | 4% | 8% | 7% | 4% | 2% | 16% |
Prefer not to say | 4% | 5% | 2% | 4% | 7% | 3% | 6% |
% earning under $30K, by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
37%
Total
41%
Gen Z
33%
Millen.
41%
Gen X
36%
Boomer
48%
< Coll
13%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
APPENDIX
Methodology
Sample
National survey of 1,000 Black women. Subgroup analyses by generation and education; the Silent Generation (~2%) is omitted from displays due to small base. Designed and conducted by Sojourn Strategies. Fielded by YouGov
Margin of error
±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level for the full sample; margins are larger for subgroups.
Significance testing
Conducted at the 95% confidence level. In tables, cells are shaded where a group differs from others in its banner: lavender = significantly higher, cream = significantly lower.
Split-sample items
Some items (the feeling thermometer and several issue-importance and party-characteristic statements) were asked of a random half of respondents and are percentages on that split base.
Routed items
The “Democratic Socialist” question was asked only of self-identified progressives (~35% of the sample); “MAGA” only of self-identified conservatives (~17%). Full-sample figures are derived (≈15% and ≈5%).
Trend comparisons
2024 figures are drawn from the NCBCP / Essence / Black Women’s Roundtable poll (n=800).
Power of the Sister Vote 2026 · NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable, in partnership with Oxfam & SEIU.
58
OTHER
Other Data
2026 ELECTION
2026 Congressional Vote Choice
If the election for Congress were held today, who would you vote for?
Black women back the Democratic candidate 78% to 7% who back the Republican Candidate on a generic Congressional ballot. While low support for Republican candidate is slightly higher among Gen Z, Boomers, and non-college educated Black women.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Democratic candidate | 78% | 75% | 75% | 80% | 80% | 77% | 81% |
Republican candidate | 7% | 10% | 4% | 6% | 10% | 9% | 4% |
Independent/3rd party | 5% | 7% | 8% | 3% | 2% | 4% | 6% |
Undecided | 9% | 7% | 11% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 8% |
Would not vote | 1% | 1% | 2% | 1% | 1% | 1% | 1% |
% Democratic candidate by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
78%
Total
75%
Gen Z
75%
Millen.
80%
Gen X
80%
Boomer
77%
< Coll
81%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
35
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
Direction of the Country
Thinking about the direction the country is headed, are you satisfied or dissatisfied?
Dissatisfaction rose to 83% (+18), driven by a 29-point surge in “very dissatisfied.”
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Very satisfied | 10% | 4% | −6 |
Satisfied | 25% | 13% | −12 |
Dissatisfied | 47% | 36% | −11 |
Very dissatisfied | 18% | 47% | +29 |
Satisfied (NET) | 35% | 17% | −18 |
Dissatisfied (NET) | 65% | 83% | +18 |
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
Congressional Approval
Do you approve or disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job?
Congressional approval dropped 25 points — three in four Black women now disapprove.
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Strongly approve | 8% | 3% | −5 |
Somewhat approve | 32% | 12% | −20 |
Somewhat disapprove | 41% | 25% | −16 |
Strongly disapprove | 19% | 50% | +31 |
Don't know | 0% | 10% | +10 |
Approve (NET) | 40% | 15% | −25 |
Disapprove (NET) | 60% | 75% | +15 |
2024
2026
Change vs 2024 (pts)
NET / summary
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
CONTENTS
Section Guide
Power of the Sister 2026 Survey Analysis
1
State of the Country
National mood, the economy, job approval, and institutional rust
2
Civic Engagement, Civic Power, & Ideology
Ideology, civic engagement, and belief in vote and collective power
3
Voting Behavior & the 2026 Election
2026 elections, motivation, and priorities
4
Civic Leadership, Voting Rights, & Voter Suppression Concerns
What matters, the cost-of-living squeeze, candidates
5
Issues, the Economy, & Quality of Life
What matters most, cost of living squeeze, quality of life
A
Appendix & Methods
Sample profile, income, and methodology
3
CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
Top Issue Priorities
What do you think the elections should be most about? Multi-select — columns exceed 100%.
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women).
The safety net now tops the agenda, with costs and healthcare close behind.
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Protecting the social safety net | 21% | 47% | +26 |
Rising prices / bringing down costs | 39% | 43% | +4 |
Lowering healthcare / Rx costs | 12% | 31% | +19 |
Jobs & wages | 35% | 28% | −7 |
Protecting voting rights | 12% | 27% | +15 |
Stopping erasure of Black history/culture new 2026 | — | 22% | — |
Reducing gun violence | 29% | 19% | −10 |
Reducing funding for ICE new 2026 | — | 16% | — |
Reproductive healthcare, incl. abortion | 12% | 13% | +1 |
Combatting discrimination & racism | 14% | 12% | −2 |
Ending global wars new 2026 | — | 11% | — |
Addressing climate change & pollution | 7% | 9% | +2 |
Changing the country's direction 2024 only | 13% | — | — |
Methods Note: 2024 asked for the TOP 2 issues; 2026 asked for the TOP 3. However, there were also more issue options in 2026, so the extra selection doesn’t necessarily automatically lift every 2026 figure. Given slight question shift, treat as directional.
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Democratic Socialism Among Black Women
Would you consider yourself a Democratic Socialist? [Asked only of self-identified progressives.]
Among progressives — 42% consider themselves Democratic Socialists. Across all Black women, that is roughly 15%.
How this maps to the full sample
All Black women surveyed
100% · n = 1,000
Identify as progressive (35%)
35% · n ≈ 350
… who consider themselves Democratic Socialists
15% · n ≈ 147
≈15% of all Black women surveyed consider themselves Democratic Socialists
Methods note. At this base the margin of error is roughly ±5 points; treat results as directional, not precise. The full-sample estimate (≈15%) is approximate.
21
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
42%
Yes
24%
No
18%
Not sure
16%
Never heard of it
STATE OF THE COUNTRY
Direction of the Country
Thinking about the direction the country is headed, are you satisfied or dissatisfied?
More than 8 in 10 Black women (83%) are dissatisfied with the country's direction — nearly half are “very dissatisfied.” Dissatisfaction is especially high among older Black women and college educated Black women.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very satisfied | 4% | 8% | 6% | 2% | 1% | 5% | 2% |
Satisfied | 13% | 18% | 13% | 12% | 12% | 15% | 9% |
Dissatisfied | 36% | 36% | 43% | 31% | 35% | 38% | 32% |
Very dissatisfied | 47% | 38% | 38% | 55% | 52% | 42% | 57% |
Satisfied (NET) | 17% | 26% | 19% | 14% | 13% | 20% | 11% |
Dissatisfied (NET) | 83% | 74% | 81% | 86% | 87% | 80% | 89% |
% Dissatisfied (NET) by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
83%
Total
74%
Gen Z
81%
Millen.
86%
Gen X
87%
Boomer
80%
< Coll
89%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
6
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
STATE OF THE COUNTRY
Direction of the Economy
In your opinion, are economic conditions getting worse, staying the same, or getting better?
78% say economic conditions are getting worse — a view felt across every generation and education level.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Getting worse | 78% | 68% | 74% | 81% | 84% | 75% | 83% |
Staying the same | 14% | 25% | 15% | 13% | 7% | 16% | 11% |
Getting better | 4% | 4% | 6% | 3% | 5% | 5% | 3% |
Don't know | 4% | 3% | 5% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 3% |
% “Getting worse” by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
78%
Total
68%
Gen Z
74%
Millen.
81%
Gen X
84%
Boomer
75%
< Coll
83%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
7
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
COST OF LIVING & ECONOMIC SECURITY
Job Quality
How hard has it been to find work that pays enough to support you?
Most Black women (71%) say it has been hard to find work that pays enough to support them.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millen. | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very hard | 38% | 37% | 46% | 34% | 24% | 40% | 34% |
Somewhat hard | 33% | 45% | 32% | 27% | 28% | 33% | 33% |
Not too hard | 14% | 11% | 12% | 18% | 21% | 12% | 19% |
Haven’t really looked | 15% | 7% | 10% | 21% | 27% | 15% | 14% |
Hard (NET) | 71% | 82% | 78% | 61% | 52% | 73% | 67% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence; NET rows shown in lavender.
49
COST OF LIVING
Financial Hardship in the Past Year
In the past 12 months, have you had to do any of these because money was tight? — % by subgroup
Economic strain is a real lived experience for Black women: 37% borrowed from family or friends, 32% drained savings, and roughly 1 in 4 skipped meals or fell behind on rent.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Borrow money from family or friends | 37% | 56% | 44% | 34% | 25% | 41% | 28% |
Use up most or all of your savings | 32% | 27% | 32% | 38% | 30% | 30% | 36% |
Take on credit card debt or a loan for basics | 29% | 27% | 31% | 28% | 28% | 25% | 37% |
Get food from a food bank or church pantry | 29% | 32% | 30% | 31% | 26% | 35% | 16% |
Fall behind on rent, mortgage, or utility bills | 26% | 32% | 37% | 22% | 16% | 29% | 21% |
Skip meals or eat less so others could eat | 24% | 36% | 31% | 23% | 12% | 26% | 21% |
Put off seeing a doctor or filling a prescription | 23% | 26% | 27% | 25% | 16% | 20% | 30% |
None of these | 23% | 9% | 17% | 25% | 34% | 21% | 28% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
47
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence; Multi-response.
LIFE SATISFACTION
Whole Life
How satisfied are you with your life as a whole these days?
Most Black women (68%) are satisfied with life overall, but nearly 3 in 10 are not.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millen. | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very satisfied | 19% | 21% | 17% | 21% | 16% | 18% | 19% |
Satisfied | 49% | 49% | 46% | 42% | 61% | 49% | 50% |
Dissatisfied | 21% | 20% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 20% | 23% |
Very dissatisfied | 8% | 5% | 9% | 10% | 5% | 9% | 6% |
Don’t know | 3% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 2% | 4% | 2% |
Satisfied (NET) | 68% | 70% | 63% | 63% | 77% | 67% | 69% |
Dissatisfied (NET) | 29% | 25% | 33% | 33% | 21% | 29% | 29% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
50
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence;
QUALITY OF LIFE
Why Black Women Feel Satisfied with Life
Open-ended responses — “Why do you feel that way?” (asked of those satisfied; n = 665)
Satisfaction rests on family, health, faith, and gratitude for the basics: being alive, food on the table, and a roof overhead.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters
51
LIFE SATISFACTION
Hope for the Future
How hopeful or worried are you about the future?
Black women are split on the future — 51% hopeful, 49% worried — with Gen Z the most hopeful.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millen. | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very hopeful | 25% | 32% | 26% | 24% | 21% | 26% | 22% |
Somewhat hopeful | 26% | 22% | 23% | 23% | 35% | 25% | 29% |
Somewhat worried | 30% | 32% | 31% | 28% | 30% | 31% | 29% |
Very worried | 19% | 14% | 20% | 25% | 14% | 18% | 20% |
Hopeful (NET) | 51% | 54% | 49% | 47% | 56% | 51% | 51% |
Worried (NET) | 49% | 46% | 51% | 53% | 44% | 49% | 49% |
% “Very hopeful” by subgroup
25%
Total
32%
Gen Z
26%
Millennial
24%
Gen X
21%
Boomer
26%
< College
22%
College+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence;
52
GENERATION
EDUCATION
CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
Party Identification
5-point scale — strong/weak folded into party; leaners and pure independents kept separate.
Black women consolidated toward the Democratic Party — up 11 points — while independents fell 7.
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Democrat | 63% | 74% | +11 |
Lean Democrat | 9% | 7% | −2 |
Independent | 14% | 7% | −7 |
Lean Republican | 3% | 3% | 0 |
Republican | 11% | 8% | −3 |
Something else / Other | 5% | 1% | −4 |
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
COST OF LIVING & ECONOMIC SECURITY
Job Security
How worried are you about losing your job or main source of income in the next 12 months? (Asked of employed)
Four in 10 employed Black women (40%) worry about losing their job or income in the next year.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millen. | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Very worried | 11% | 14% | 11% | 9% | 7% | 13% | 8% |
Somewhat worried | 29% | 29% | 35% | 27% | 12% | 31% | 26% |
Not too worried | 38% | 41% | 32% | 40% | 51% | 35% | 43% |
Not worried at all | 22% | 16% | 22% | 24% | 30% | 21% | 23% |
Worried (NET) | 40% | 43% | 46% | 36% | 19% | 44% | 34% |
Not worried (NET) | 60% | 57% | 54% | 64% | 81% | 56% | 66% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
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PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Party Identification
In politics today, do you consider yourself a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent?
81% identify as Democratic, 11% Republican, 8% Independent, with younger voters leaning slightly more independent.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Democrat | 81% | 78% | 79% | 84% | 84% | 80% | 83% |
Independent | 8% | 11% | 12% | 7% | 3% | 8% | 9% |
Republican | 11% | 11% | 9% | 9% | 13% | 12% | 8% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
22
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence
LEADERS, PARTIES, & INSTITUTIONS
Favorability — Leaders, Parties & Institutions
Feeling-thermometer ratings, 0 (cold) to 100 (warm), ranked warmest to coldest.
Black women rate Democrats in Congress far warmer than Republicans (64 vs. 20); Black leaders and civil-rights groups sit at the top, the president, executive branch leaders and SCOTUS are at the bottom.
Michelle Obama
87
Barack Obama
85
Black Lives Matter (BLM) (SA)
75
Kamala Harris
74
The NAACP (SB)
70
Ketanji Brown Jackson
68
Democrats in Congress
64
Zohran Mamdani
64
Hakeem Jeffries
59
U.S. Supreme Court
40
Tim Scott (SB)
27
Marco Rubio (SA)
27
Pete Hegseth (SB)
26
J.D. Vance
21
Republicans in Congress
20
Elon Musk (SA)
20
Donald Trump
16
0 · cold
neutral 50
100 · warm
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Mean 0–100 feeling-thermometer ratings; some items asked of a random half-sample marked SA/SB
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CHANGE OVER TIME · 2024 → 2026
State of the Economy
In your opinion, are economic conditions getting worse, staying the same, or getting better?
78% now say the economy is getting worse — up 22 points since 2024.
Response | 2024 | 2026 | Change |
Getting worse | 56% | 78% | +22 |
Staying the same | 26% | 14% | −12 |
Getting better | 18% | 4% | −14 |
Don't know | 0% | 4% | +4 |
Source: 2024 HIT Strategies / NCBCP-Essence-BWR National Poll (n=800 Black women registered voters, Feb 2024); 2026 NCBCP Power of the Sister Vote (n=1,000 Black women registered voters).
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Democratic Socialism Among Black Women
Would you consider yourself a Democratic Socialist? [Asked only of self-identified progressives.]
Among progressives — 42% consider themselves Democratic Socialists. Across all Black women, that is roughly 15%.
How this maps to the full sample
All Black women surveyed
100% · n = 1,000
Identify as progressive (35%)
35% · n ≈ 350
… who consider themselves Democratic Socialists
15% · n ≈ 147
≈15% of all Black women surveyed consider themselves Democratic Socialists
Methods note. At this base the margin of error is roughly ±5 points; treat results as directional, not precise. The full-sample estimate (≈15%) is approximate.
21
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
42%
Yes
24%
No
18%
Not sure
16%
Never heard of it
PARTY & IDEOLOGY
Democratic Socialism Among Black Women
Would you consider yourself a Democratic Socialist? [Asked only of self-identified progressives.]
Among progressives — 42% consider themselves Democratic Socialists. Across all Black women, that is roughly 15%.
Response among those asked — self-identified progressives (n ≈ 350)
Yes
42%
No
24%
Not sure
18%
Never heard of it
16%
How this maps to the full sample
All Black women surveyed
100% · n = 1,000
Identify as progressive (35%)
35% · n ≈ 350
… who consider themselves Democratic Socialists
15% · n ≈ 147
≈15% of all Black women surveyed
= 42% of the 35% who identify as progressive.
Methods note. At this base the margin of error is roughly ±5 points; treat results as directional, not precise. The full-sample estimate (≈15%) is approximate.
21
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted.
COST OF LIVING
Costs That Worry You Most
Which of these costs worries you the most right now? (choose up to two) — % selecting, by subgroup
Everyday costs — food, utilities, gas — dominate (74%), followed by rent/housing (41%) and wages and benefits (25%). Gen Z are more likely to name housing (45%) and wages (36%) as concern than Black women overall.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Everyday costs (food, utilities, gas) are too high | 74% | 68% | 75% | 75% | 76% | 74% | 75% |
Rent or house payments are too high | 41% | 45% | 44% | 44% | 34% | 43% | 36% |
Jobs don't pay enough or offer good benefits | 25% | 36% | 37% | 24% | 9% | 23% | 30% |
Doctor visits and medicine cost too much | 18% | 16% | 11% | 22% | 23% | 16% | 22% |
None of these | 6% | 5% | 5% | 4% | 9% | 6% | 5% |
Childcare/elder care costs too much | 3% | 4% | 7% | 2% | 0% | 3% | 5% |
Everyday costs (food, utilities, gas) are too high
74%
Rent or house payments are too high
41%
Jobs don't pay enough or offer good benefits
25%
Doctor visits and medicine cost too much
18%
None of these
6%
Childcare/elder care costs too much
3%
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence;
Multi-response; up to two selections.
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PARTY & IDEOLOGY
MAGA Label — Among Conservatives
Would you consider yourself part of the MAGA movement? [Asked only of self-identified conservatives.]
Among conservatives — about one in six of the sample — 28% embrace the label. Across all Black women, that is roughly 5%: a small share, concentrated on the right.
Response among those asked — self-identified conservatives (n ≈ 170)
Yes
28%
No
57%
Never heard of it
9%
Not sure
6%
How this maps to the full sample
All Black women surveyed
100% · n = 1,000
Identify as conservative (17%)
17% · n ≈ 170
… who embrace the label
5% · n ≈ 48
≈5% of all Black women surveyed
= 28% of the 17% who identify as conservative.
Methods note. Asked only of self-identified conservatives (n ≈ 170), so figures describe that subgroup — not all Black women. At this base the margin of error is roughly ±7–8 points; treat results as directional, not precise. The full-sample estimate (≈5%) is approximate, and bases are too small for reliable breakouts.
Source: Power of the Sister Vote 2026. Asked only of respondents who identified as somewhat/very conservative (17% of sample; n ≈ 170). Base counts approximate.
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2026 ELECTION
Emotions About Politics
Which emotions best describe how you're feeling about politics and the 2026 elections? (up to two) — % by subgroup
“Hopeful” and “motivated to take action” lead (28% each) — but anxiety and cynicism run close behind.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Hopeful | 28% | 24% | 24% | 26% | 37% | 30% | 26% |
Motivated to take action | 28% | 26% | 23% | 25% | 35% | 28% | 28% |
Anxious | 21% | 25% | 26% | 20% | 13% | 20% | 21% |
Cynical or distrustful | 18% | 14% | 18% | 19% | 17% | 15% | 23% |
Afraid or worried | 17% | 21% | 16% | 19% | 15% | 18% | 16% |
Overwhelmed | 12% | 16% | 14% | 12% | 8% | 11% | 14% |
Disillusioned or let down | 11% | 12% | 10% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 13% |
None of the above | 9% | 7% | 10% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 8% |
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters · Figures are weighted. Shading vs. Total at 95% confidence · Multi-response; up to two selections. Top 8 shown.
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VOTING BEHAVIOR
Voting History, 2022–2024
Did you vote in the 2020, 2022, and 2024 general elections?
Turnout runs high and steady — 93% voted in 2020, 87% in 2022, and 94% in 2024.
| Total | Generation | Education | ||||
Gen Z | Millennial | Gen X | Boomer | < College | College+ | ||
Voted in 2022 | 87% | 79% | 85% | 89% | 93% | 84% | 94% |
Voted in 2024 | 94% | 89% | 90% | 96% | 97% | 92% | 97% |
% who voted in 2024, by subgroup
GENERATION
EDUCATION
94%
Total
89%
Gen Z
90%
Millen.
96%
Gen X
97%
Boomer
92%
< Coll
97%
Coll+
Significantly higher (95%)
Significantly lower (95%)
Source: NCBCP / Black Women's Roundtable — Power of the Sister Vote 2026 (n=1,000 Black women). Shading vs. others in group, 95%.
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QUALITY OF LIFE
Why Black Women Feel Dissatisfied with Life
Open-ended responses — “Why do you feel that way?” (asked of those dissatisfied; n = 290)
Dissatisfaction is almost entirely economic — money, high prices, the cost of living, and not having enough to get by.
Source: NCBCP / Black Women’s Roundtable 10th Annual “Power of the Sister Vote” 2026 Survey · N = 1,000 Black women registered voters
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