New Poll Finds Black Women Have Lost Faith in Washington But Not in Their Vote

If there was any question whether Black women were checking out of politics after the bruising 2024 election, a new national poll has an answer: Absolutely not.

The second installment of the Power of the Sister Vote survey — which the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Women’s Roundtable released exclusively to The Root — finds Black women entering the 2026 midterm cycle angry, financially squeezed and deeply distrustful of politicians in Washington. But instead of retreating, Black women are preparing to show up at the ballot box in even greater numbers.

That contradiction may be the survey’s biggest takeaway.

An overwhelming 83% say they’re dissatisfied with the direction of the country, while 78% believe the economy is getting worse — dramatic jumps from just two years ago. Approval of President Donald Trump sits at just 12%, and only 15% approve of Congress. Trust in federal institutions has cratered, with three out of four saying they don’t trust the presidency to do what’s right.

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Black women have long formed the backbone of the Democratic coalition, helping deliver victories in election after election. Yet new research suggests many feel politically homeless, saying neither major party is doing enough to address their needs or priorities. But that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on the country just yet.

Nearly seven in 10 Black women say they will definitely vote this November, while 67% say they are extremely motivated to cast a ballot — both significant increases from 2024, despite vthis being a midterm election when turnout traditionally falls. Even more striking, 70% now believe their vote has the power to create change, up 20 percentage points from two years ago.

Leading up to November midterms, The Root will continue unpacking what this landmark survey reveals — from the issues driving Black women to the polls to the challenges they see facing Black women candidates and voters alike. If Part One showed the economic pressures reshaping everyday life, Part Two makes something equally clear: Black women may be exhausted, but they are far from disengaged.

The poll also makes clear the issues that matter most to Black women.

Protecting the social safety net narrowly outranks lowering the cost of living as Black women’s top election priority, reflecting growing fears over programs like Social Security and Medicare. Black Americans disproportionately benefit from both federal programs. So drastic cuts and new regulations are set to directly impact Black communities nationally.

At the same time, nearly nine in 10 panel respondents say they are more likely to support candidates focused on bringing down everyday costs, while racial justice, voting rights and restoring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives remain powerful vote motivators.

November is quickly approaching. And with less than 90 days until voters cast their ballots, it’s Black women who could once again decide who holds power–and what issues remain impossible to ignore.

Democracy itself remains on the ballot, and the survey makes that abundantly clear. Eighty-five percent of Black women say they are concerned about the Supreme Court’s decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, and many fear voter suppression tactics ranging from mail-ballot problems to the possibility of ICE agents near polling places.

These numbers help explain why November’s midterm elections could become one of the most consequential in recent history. And if this survey is any indication, Black women won’t just be participating–they’ll be helping shape the outcome once again.