The USC Dornsife Poll is a series of public opinion polls, both national and statewide, designed to survey voter attitudes on a wide range of political, policy, social and cultural issues. View news and information related to past polls below.
2020 Polling
November 2020
USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll Crosstabs and Topline (November 19, 2020)
Poll Media Coverage
- As Trump attacks election outcome, Americans are less confident in the vote count, USC poll finds Melanie Mason, Los Angeles Times (November 19, 2020)
- What the USC Daybreak poll got right and wrong about 2020 election predictions David Brancaccio, Marketplace Morning Report (November 19, 2020)
USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll Crosstabs and Topline (November 2, 2020)
Poll Media Coverage
Joe Biden leads President Trump by double digits nationally, USC poll suggests David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (November 2, 2020)
USC
News Release: Final USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll reveals stable presidential race; Biden leads Trump by 10 points Jenesse Miller, USC News (November 2, 2020)
October 2020
USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll Crosstabs and Topline (October 14, 2020)
Poll Media Coverage
Trump hasn’t recovered from tailspin set off by raucous debate performance, poll shows David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (October 14, 2020)
USC
News Release: Voter confidence in Trump’s mental and physical fitness drops after first debate while confidence in Biden grows Jim Key, USC Dornsife News (October 14, 2020)
August – September 2020
USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll Methodology and Crosstabs (September 16, 2020)
Poll Media Coverage
September 2020
- The Upshot on Today’s Polls Nate Cohn, The New York Times (September 22, 2020)
- State by state, Trump falls behind David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (September 18, 2020)
- Poll highlights key barriers for Trump and Biden in final weeks before election David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (September 16, 2020)
USC
News Release – September 2020
- Small majority of voters trust Trump to handle jobs & economy, but Biden leads on all other issues (September 16, 2020)
- USC poll: Biden leads on everything but jobs and the economy Jenesse Miller, USC News (September 16, 2020)
AUGUST 19 AND SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 RELEASES
USC Dornsife Daybreak Poll Methodology and Toplines (September 1, 2020)
Poll Media Coverage
September 2020
- Trump has slipped among key groups that backed him in 2016 David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (September 1, 2020)
- Donald Trump got no bounce from the Republican convention, new poll finds and is losing support among key groups which helped him win in 2016 Katelyn Caralle, Daily Mail (September 1, 2020)
- USC Poll shows 11-point lead for Biden over Trump Jonathan Easley, The Hill (September 1, 2020)
- USC Poll That Predicted 2016 Trump Victory Shows Big National Lead for Biden Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego (September 1, 2020)
August 2020
- 52% of People Who Didn’t Vote in 2016 Say They’re Voting in 2020 for Biden Aila Slisco, Newsweek (August 20, 2020)
- Poll Finds People Who Sat Out 2016 Election Favor Joe Biden Spectrum News Staff Nationwide, Spectrum News (August 20, 2020)
- Poll: 52 percent of people who didn’t vote in 2016 say they’re voting for Biden Rebecca Klar, The Hill (August 20, 2020)
USC
News Release – September 2020
Trump has lost ground since 2016 among key groups, down 11 points against Biden (September 1, 2020)
News Release – August 2020
- USC Dornsife Launches 2020 Election Tracking Poll; Biden Leads by 11 Points (August 19, 2020)
- USC Dornsife election poll that made headlines in 2016 relaunches with changes Jim Key, USC Dornsife News (August 19, 2020)
January 2020
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (January 31, 2020)
Los Angeles Times Article
Joe Biden holds lead in national poll: Is is a firewall against Iowa, New Hampshire losses? Janet Hook, Los Angeles Times (January 31, 2020)
USC News Release and News
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Biden is the favorite among likely voters at nearly 2:1 (January 31, 2020)
- Poll: Biden remains the Democratic favorite among likely voters Jenesse Miller, USC News (January 31, 2020)
2019 Polling
November 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (November 7, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
1 in 4 Americans uncertain about impeachment as public hearings near, poll finds David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (November 7, 2019)
USC News Release
Poll: Nearly half of all eligible voters support Senate removing President Trump from office if House votes to impeach (November 7, 2019)
September 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (September 11, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
Democrats see Biden, Warren as close fits ideologically, view Sanders as more extreme David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (September 11, 2019)
USC News Release
Poll: Democratic voters want a Medicare-like program, gun restrictions (September 11, 2019)
August 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (August 22, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
Trump has remade the Republican Party, but at a price David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (August 22, 2019)
USC News Release
Voters predict Trump’s reelection, but less than a third would be happy about it (August 22, 2019)
July 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (July 29, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
Democratic 2020 race up for grabs: Half of voters have changes their minds since spring, poll shows David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (July 29, 2019)
USC News Release
Poll: Biden leads the Democratic field ahead of debates, but many are undecided (July 29, 2019)
June 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (June 19, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
This poll asked voters to create their perfect candidate. Democrats picked an older white guy Janet Hook, Los Angeles Times (June 19, 2019)
USC News Release
Poll: Democrats say a white male is most likely to beat Trump, regardless of their preferred candidate (June 19, 2019)
April 2019
- Methodology and toplines and Crosstabs (April 15, 2019)
Los Angeles Times Article
On tax day, most Americans don’t feel new law made them better off David Lauter, Los Angeles Times (April 15, 2019)
USC News Releases
- The latest USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll suggests race, gender and 2017 tax cuts make little difference to many voters Emily Gersema (April 16, 2019)
- Poll: Biden leads Democratic Field (April 15, 2019)
2018 Polling
November 2018
Post-Election Poll: Methodology and toplines (November 16, 2018)
Tracking Poll
Week 3: Methodology and toplines and Cross tabs (Nov. 5, 2018)
Week 2: Methodology and toplines and Cross tabs (October 29, 2018)
Week 1: Methodology and toplines and Cross tabs (October 22, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
Post-Election Poll
Republicans sour on the election outcome, poll shows, while Trump claims illegal voting David Lauter (November 16, 2018)
Tracking Poll
- Poll points to Democratic takeover of the House, but here’s what could change that David Lauter (November 5, 2018)
- In a highly partisan era, those who dislike both sides could have the deciding votes David Lauter (October 29, 2018)
- With the midterm campaign in its final weeks, poll signals a Democratic edge for the House and widespread doubts about Kavanaugh David Lauter (October 22, 2018)
USC News Releases
Tracking Poll
- Tracking Poll: Voters still strongly lean toward Democratic candidates for US House races (November 6, 2018)
- Tracking Poll: Growing Number of Voters Lean Toward Democratic Candidates in US House Races (October 30, 2018)
- Tracking poll: Likely Voters Lean Toward Democratic Candidates for U.S. House Seats (October 23, 2018)
October 2018
California Poll: Methodology and toplines and Cross Tabs (October 24, 2018)
Los Angeles Time Articles
- Experts say California needs to build a lot more housing. But the public disagrees Liam Dillon (October 21, 2018)
- Prop 10, which would expand rent control, is in ‘deep trouble,’ poll shows Liam Dillon (October 19, 2018)
- Initiative to repeal gas tax is falling short, according to poll of California voters Patrick McGreevy (October 19, 2018)
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein is a good bet to win reelection, serve a final term and retire reluctantly George Skelton (October 18, 2018)
- De Leon has run against Feinstein from the left, but much of his support comes from Republicans, new poll finds Sarah D. Wire (October 18, 2018)
- Poll shows Newsom with a commanding lead over Cox in final weeks before Californians select their next governor Phil Willon (October 17, 2018)
- Proposition 13 has strictly limited property tax increases since 1978. Voters get a chance to change that Liam Dillon (October 17, 2018)
USC News Releases
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Feinstein holds large lead in Senate race; Conservative Republicans prefer de Leon (October 19, 2018)
- Why do California voters prefer Gavin Newsom? It has to do with Donald Trump, new poll finds The Sacramento Bee, Andrew Sheeler (October 18, 2018)
- What Thomas Jefferson, Donald Trump and the American people think about freedom of the press The Conversation US, Robert Shrum and Jill Darlng (October 18, 2018)
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Newsom holds large lead in governor’s race, jobs/economy a top issue across partisan divide Jim Key (October 17, 2018)
National Poll: Methodology and toplines and Cross Tabs (October 9, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Majority of Americans say Trump is just venting when he calls the press ‘enemies of the people’ David Lauter (October 9, 2018)
- With growing support from women, Democrats poised for major gains in midterm, new poll shows David Lauter (September 26, 2018)
USC News Releases
- Thomas Jefferson, Donald Trump, and Freedom of the Press The Evidence Base, Robert Shrum and Jill Darling (October 11, 2018)
- Trump has already built his wall The Hill, Gregory Treverton (October 7, 2018)
- Democrats gain in generic congressional race amid shifts in GOP base support Emily Gersema (October 5, 2018)
- Midterms are about Trump, Democrats widen lead in generic congressional race Emily Gersema (September 26, 2018)
September 2018
- Methodology and toplines (September 6, 2018)
- Trump’s boomerang effect on trust and motivation Jill Darling and Margaret Gatz (September 6, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Trump’s first midterm pits a booming economy gains against history’s most unpopular presidents Mark S. Barabak (September 6, 2018)
- Who do you trust? Trump’s attacks take a toll on his own credibility, as well as the media’s David Lauter (September 4, 2018)
USC News Releases
- Less than 1 in 5 trust Trump to tell the truth, poll shows Emily Gersema (September 6, 2018)
- Only 19 percent trust Trump to tell the truth, USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll shows Emily Gersema (September 6, 2018)
May 2018
- Methodology and Survey and Cross Tabs (May 25, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- As bullet train costs rise, only 31% of California voters want to keep paying for it Ralph Vartabedian (May 25, 2018)
- Most Californians back easing Prop. 13 to raise property taxes on businesses, poll finds Liam Dillon (May 25, 2018)
- Majority of Californians want to repeal gas tax increase, poll finds Patrick Mcgreevy (May 24, 2018)
- California to its presidential wannabes: Don’t quit that day job! Mark Z. Barabak (May 23, 2018)
- Tax bill and Obamacare repeal are potent issues in California congressional races, poll shows Christine Mai Duc (May 23, 2018)
- New poll finds a volatile race for second place in California governor’s contest Phil Willon and Seema Mehta (May 22, 2018)
USC News Releases
- USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll shows voters aren’t pumped about gas tax Jim Key (May 25, 2018)
- USC Dornsife/L.A. Times Poll: Large lead for candidate Newsom, new tax unpopular Jim Key (May 23, 2018)
January 2018
- Survey methodology and Methodology and toplines and Cross tabs (Jan. 19, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- As Trump’s first year in office ends, his support base has eroded and the opposition is energized David Lauter (January 19, 2018)
- Democrats ready to move beyond Clinton, but have no strong favorite in presidential race Cathleen Decker (January 19, 2018)
USC News Release
USC Dornsife/LA Times poll reveals troubling numbers for GOP in 2018 midterm elections (January 18, 2018)
2017 Polling
November 2017
- Methodology and toplines (November 12, 2017)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Majority of Californians disagree with President Trump’s handling of NFL protests Liam Dillon (November 12, 2017)
- More than half of Californians support ‘sanctuary state’ legislation, poll finds Jazmine Ulloa (November 10, 2017)
- Most California voters already want to overturn gas tax increase, poll finds Patrick McGreevy (November 10, 2017)
- Californians strongly oppose Trump – and 53% say state’s members of Congress should ‘never’ work with him Cathleen Decker (November 10, 2017)
- It’s a tightening race for governor and Sen. Dianne Feinstein holds strong lead for reelection Seema Mehta and Phil Willon (November 9, 2017)
USC News Releases
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Californians narrowly divided regarding NFL kneeling protests, big majority disagree with Trump’s handling of them (November 12, 2017)
- Poll: Californians rank high cost-of-living/housing as top issues; large majority supports immigrants (November 10, 2017)
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Villaraigosa trails Newsom in CA governor race; Feinstein holds wide lead (November 9, 2017)
- With key elections a year away, California panel study begins testing political waters Stephen Koenig (November 7, 2017)
April 2017
Results: Understanding America Study
Los Angeles Times Article
Trump at the 100-day mark: Stable support but few achievements (April 26, 2017)
USC News Release
Poll: Trump supporters remain optimistic (April 26, 2017)
2016 Polling
November 2016
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research: Toplines (October 30, 2016)
USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research
Trump’s boomerang effect on trust and motivation Jill Darling and Margaret Gatz (September 6, 2018)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Who do you trust? Trump’s attacks take a toll on his own credibility, as well as the media’s David Lauter (November 9, 2016)
- Surprise! The Times’ poll was right about Trump. Now it’s time for action (November 8, 2016)
- The USC/L.A. Times poll saw what other surveys missed: A wave of Trump support (November 8, 2016)
- Hillary Clinton’s popularity in California has jumped, and she has a commanding lead, poll finds (November 6, 2016)
- Our next president will inherit an extremely polarized electorate, California poll finds (November 4, 2016)
- California’s U.S. Senate race is slipping away from Loretta Sanchez (November 4, 2016)
- New poll finds voters poised to pass Prop. 57 and revamp California’s prison parole rules (November 3, 2016)
- Defeat is likely for both death penalty measures on California ballot, poll finds (November 3, 2016)
- California voters support gun control initiative, Proposition 63, poll says (November 3, 2016)
- Young voters overwhelmingly favor marijuana measure, which is likely to pass, poll finds (November 2, 2016)
USC News Releases
- USC Dornsife/L.A. Times ‘outlier’ poll rings true as Donald Trump wins election (November 9, 2016)
- Poll: Marijuana, ban on high-capacity ammo among ballot measures with wide CA support (November 7, 2016)
October 2016
Methodology and Survey: Understanding America Study
Results: SurveyMonkey
Los Angeles Times Articles
- An alternative look at the USC/L.A. Times poll now shows Clinton ahead by 5 points (October 21, 2016)
- How an expert tweaked the USC/ L.A. Times poll and put Clinton ahead of Trump (October 19, 2016)
- No, one 19-year-old Trump supporter probably isn’t distorting the polling averages all by himself (October 14, 2016)
- Lots of people have questions about the USC/L.A. Times tracking poll; here are some answers David Lauter (October 7, 2016)
USC News Release
Why the USC Dornsife/L.A. Times poll is unlike other polls Emily Gersema (October 12, 2016)
September 2016
SurveyMonkey Toplines: SurveyMonkey
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Ballot measure to extend income tax hike has strong support, poll finds (September 16, 2016)
- What you need to know about Prop. 61, the spendy prescription drug measure on November’s ballot (September 15, 2016)
- Gun control initiative has strong support among California voters, poll finds (September 15, 2016)
- Most Californians support initiative to require adult-film actors to use condoms (September 15, 2016)
- Most California voters support legalizing recreational marijuana, poll finds (September 13, 2016)
- How the poll was conducted (September 12, 2016)
- Clinton holds wide lead in California; third-party candidates are strong among younger voters (September 12, 2016)
- Along with Kamala Harris, Loretta Sanchez is struggling to beat ‘none of the above’ (September 12, 2016)
USC News Release
Clinton leads Trump among CA voters; Senate race draws little interest (September 15, 2016)
August 2016
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Donald Trump still has a path to victory, but it’s a tough one, USC/L.A. Times poll shows (August 31, 2016)
- Trump Gains Ground Against Clinton, Tracking Poll Finds (August 21, 2016)
USC News Release
Clinton gains 5 points to tie Trump in post-DNC Daybreak Poll (August 8, 2016)
July 2016
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Trump takes lead over Clinton as GOP convention generates a bounce for its nominee (July 24, 2016)
- As Clinton stumbles, Trump takes an apparent slim lead in new tracking poll (July 15, 2016)
USC News Releases
- Poll: RNC boosts Trump-and Clinton supporters’ resolve (July 26, 2016)
- USC, Los Angeles Times launch daily election poll (July 15, 2016)
June 2016
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner: Toplines
Los Angeles Times Articles
- California’s support of transgender bathroom access in schools is growing, poll shows (June 11, 2016)
- California voters are becoming more concerned about healthcare costs than whether they have insurance (June 10, 2016)
- Poll finds Californiana are strongly in favor of state’s minimum wage increase (June 9, 2016)
- Poll finds Senate hopeful Loretta Sanchez strong among Latino voters but few others (June 3, 2016)
- Analysis: Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton in a tight race in California as the campaign batters her popularity (June 2, 2016)
USC News Releases
- Turnout Among Older, Registered Dems Key for Clinton’s Primary Win (June 13, 2016)
- In a Big Shift, Voters Support CA Transgender Law (June 13, 2016)
- CA Voters Back Affordable Care Act But Have Concerns (June 10, 2016)
- Most CA Voters Back Minimum Wage Hike (June 9, 2016)
- Two Democrats share lead over Republicans in Calif. Senate race (June 3, 2016)
- Sanders in Dead Heat with Clinton in California Before Primary (June 2, 2016)
April 2016
Los Angeles Times Articles
- So far, Latinos and women are blunting Trump and Sanders in California’s Primaries (April 4, 2016)
- Latinos and women are blunting Trump and Sanders in California’s primaries (April 3, 2016)
March 2016
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner: Toplines
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Most California voters think illegal immigration is a problem, but don’t see mass deportation as the answer (March 31, 2016)
- Among California voters, support for trade deals doesn’t fall clearly along party lines (March 30, 2016)
- California voters still undecided on U.S. Senate pick as race is eclipsed by presidential showdown (March 29, 2016)
- With strong new job approval numbers, Jerry Brown chalks up success to ‘skills’ of governing (March 29, 2016)
- Poll: As California primary nears, state Democrats are uniting behind Clinton and against a commony enemy: Trump (March 28, 2016)
- Poll: Donald Trump leads in California primary race but threatens a GOP fracture (March 27, 2016)
USC News Releases
- USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll: Generational Divide in California Over Views on Illegal Immigration (March 31, 2016)
- USC Dornsife/Times Poll: Californians worry about trade deals but are optimistic about the economy (March 30, 2016)
- Californians Optimistic About Economy, but Concerned About Trade Deals (March 30, 2016)
- Democrats Lead in California’s Top Two Senate Primary (March 29, 2016)
- Clinton’s Lead Over Sanders Shrinks in California; Sanders Supporters Predict Clinton as nominee (March 28, 2016)
- Trump Leads Slightly; Voters Weigh in on Rhetoric, Immigration (March 27, 2016)
2015 Polling
November 2015
SurveyMonkey: Results (November 3, 2015)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- ‘Tale of two California Cities’: Coastal voters upbeat, inland residents anxious about economy (Nov. 9, 2015)
- On the left and right, voters express anxiety over future (Nov. 8, 2015)
- USC/LAT poll: Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz gain ground in Republican field (Nov. 6, 2015)
USC News Releases
- Majority of Californians dissatisfied with economy (Nov. 9, 2015)
- USC Dornsife/LA Times poll shows that Californians see immigration as creating economic challenges, but believe American society is strengthened by their presence (Nov. 8, 2015)
October 2015
Los Angeles Times Article
Poll finds LA County residents want to be more involved in their community but don’t have time (Oct 7, 2015)
USC News Release
“Vision Poll” Reveals LA County Residents Want to Give Back but Need Direction (Oct. 7, 2015)
September 2015
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner: Toplines (September 8, 2015)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- California voters sharply disagree on low-cost healthcare for immigrants (Sept. 15, 2015)
- Rep. Loretta Sanchez gains ground on Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris in Senate race, poll shows (Sept. 14, 2015)
- California Republicans echo U.S. trends, favoring outsiders Donald Trump and Ben Carson (Sept. 13, 2015)
- Are Republicans losing white voters too? (Sept. 13, 2015)
- Politics at the local level pointless? That’s what many Californians think (Sept. 12, 2015)
- Jerry Brown’s popularity dips, new USC/Times poll shows (September 11, 2015)
- Drought is no reason to ease environmental protections, California voters say (September 11, 2015)
- California voters hopeful that El Nino will ease drought, poll finds (September 10, 2015)
USC News Releases
- Trump and Clinton are leading presidential contenders among their parties in California (Sept. 13, 2015)
- Calif. voters overwhelmingly say voting is important — despite consistently low turnout (Sept. 12, 2015)
- California voters increasingly squeezed by drought (September 11, 2015)
- PRESS CALL MONDAY: USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll on Calif. Drought, Presidential Candidates and Senate Race (September 10, 2015)
April 2015
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner: Toplines (April 7, 2015)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Science, math and art valued more than technology in education poll (April 13, 2015)
- Race relations in California better than elsewhere in U.S., voters say (April 13, 2015)
- Majority of California’s Latino voters highly value school testing (April 12, 2015)
- California voters take a dim view of teacher tenure (April 11, 2015)
USC News Releases
- Most Californians say race relations are better in California than elsewhere in United States (April 13, 2015)
- Californians split on whether testing has been a boon or bust for education (April 12, 2015)
- Calif. voters reject tenure, seniority-based layoffs of public school teachers (April 11, 2015)
- PRESS CALL Monday: USC Dornsife/LA Times Poll on Race Relations, Teacher Tenure and State of Schools (April 10, 2015)
February 2015
Greenberg Quinlan Rosner: Toplines (February 24, 2015)
Los Angeles Times Articles
- Despite some nightmares, poll finds voters still California Dreamin’ (March 1, 2015)
- Jerry Brown’s popularity as governor doesn’t extend to a presidential race (March 1, 2015)
- Assemblyman Chavez hints he will announce U.S. Senate bid on Thursday (Feb. 28, 2015)
- Voters strongly oppose UC tuition hike, poll finds (Feb. 28, 2015)
- Fresno Mayor Swearengin passes on race for Barbara Boxer’s Senate seat (Feb. 27, 2015)
- Senate candidate Kamala Harris unknown to more than 50% of voters (Feb. 27, 2015)
USC News Releases
- What’s the California Dream? Sunshine (March 1, 2015)
- Californians side with Brown in UC tuition dispute (Feb. 28, 2015)
- Kamala Harris has early lead in U.S. Senate contest (Feb. 27, 2015)