The 2026 Pew Research Center Political Typology is a comprehensive study that goes beyond traditional red-blue partisan divides to reveal nine distinct political groups based on Americans’ values and beliefs. This ninth iteration of Pew’s long-running typology project, first conducted nearly 40 years ago, surveyed 10,357 U.S. adults from November 17-30, 2025.

The Nine Political Groups

The typology reveals a much more nuanced political landscape than simple Democratic-Republican divisions:

Right-Leaning Groups (44% of public)

No Apologies Right (9%) – The most ardent Trump supporters who take hardline conservative positions and embrace confrontational political style. 90% approve of Trump’s job performance, and 63% consider him the best president of the last 40 years.

Faith First Conservatives (12%) – Religious conservatives who emphasize Christian values and traditional morality. 82% believe it’s important for the U.S. to have a culture based in Christian beliefs, and 81% approve of Trump.

Unconventional Right (12%) – Republican-leaning but less politically engaged, with more moderate views on abortion and social safety nets. Only 53% approve of Trump’s performance.

Pragmatic and Polite Right (11%) – The oldest group, valuing political civility. While 56% lean Republican, they’re divided on Trump with only 36% approving of his performance.

Left-Leaning Groups (47% of public)

Leftward Progressives (7%) – The youngest group with the most progressive views across issues. While supporting Democrats, they maintain skepticism toward the Democratic Party itself.

Loyal Liberals (11%) – Highly educated, politically engaged Democrats who strongly support the party and institutional leadership. 77% view the Democratic Party favorably.

Left-Out Left (12%) – Financially stressed Democrats who feel politically ignored. Despite Democratic orientation, only 52% view the party favorably.

Order and Opportunity Left (18%) – The largest group, economically liberal but concerned about crime and supportive of some immigration restrictions. The most racially diverse group.

Middle Group

Tuned-Out Middle (9%) – Politically divided with exceptionally low interest in politics.

Key Findings

Cross-Cutting Values

The typology reveals Americans hold complex mixes of values that don’t align neatly with either major party. Roughly 15% of Republicans hold values placing them left of center, while a similar share of Democrats hold right-of-center values.

Immigration Divides Both Sides

Immigration policy creates unexpected divisions. While trump-administration hardliners support deportation, groups like Order and Opportunity Left support secure borders but oppose mass deportation.

Political Style Matters

Groups differ as much on political tone as policy. No Apologies Right embrace confrontational politics (53% like when politicians humiliate opponents), while Pragmatic and Polite Right overwhelmingly reject this approach (5%).

Engagement Varies Dramatically

The most ideologically consistent groups – No Apologies Right and Loyal Liberals – show highest political engagement, while middle groups remain largely tuned out.

Implications for Parties

Both parties face challenges building winning coalitions across these diverse groups. The trump-administration maintains strong support among its base groups but has lost ground with Unconventional Right and Pragmatic and Polite Right. Democrats must address concerns of Order and Opportunity Left on crime and immigration while maintaining progressive support.

The research suggests American politics involves far more than two colors, presenting both opportunities and challenges for political-operatives and those engaged in civic-engagement efforts.

Methodology

The typology used cluster analysis on responses to 30 questions about government, economics, immigration, and other political topics. The survey represents the full U.S. adult population through Pew’s American Trends Panel.

Take the political typology quiz to determine your group classification.