Full Breakdown
Majority of MAGA Voters Would Back GOP Candidate Even If Accused of Sexual Assault, Poll Finds
7/31/2026, 5:46:43 AM
Core Findings of the July Poll
A Politico poll conducted July 13-15 surveyed 2,061 respondents and reported a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points. Among voters who identified as MAGA supporters and had voted for former President Donald Trump, 66 percent said they would still vote for a Republican candidate even if a former partner accused that candidate of sexual assault. In the same hypothetical congressional race, 25 percent indicated they would not vote for either candidate, while 9 percent said they would choose the Democratic candidate. Among a broader group of Republican-leaning respondents, 42 percent would support the GOP candidate under the same allegation, 11 percent would vote Democrat, and 47 percent would abstain.
Background and Context
Support for candidates facing sexual-misconduct accusations is not unprecedented among Trump’s base. In May 2023, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll, and the former president has faced scrutiny over ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The new poll suggests that such controversies have not substantially eroded willingness among MAGA voters to back Republican nominees.
Data Summary
Potential Electoral Impact
If the poll reflects broader voter behavior, Republican candidates accused of sexual misconduct could remain viable in contested races, especially in districts where MAGA identification is strong. Campaign strategists may therefore prioritize other issues over personal scandals, anticipating that a majority of the base will prioritize party affiliation over allegations.
Survey Limitations
The poll presents a hypothetical scenario rather than actual voting behavior, and responses may differ in real elections. Additionally, the sample focuses on self-identified MAGA and Republican-leaning voters, limiting generalizability to the overall electorate.
