- 62% of Americans say abortion should be legal in most or all cases — support has increased since the Dobbs ruling in June 2022
- Abortion rights have won 7 for 7 ballot measures since Dobbs, including in red states like Kansas (59%), Ohio (57%), and Montana
- Among Democratic women aged 18–45, 58% cite abortion as their #1 vote motivation in 2026 — making it the dominant base enthusiasm driver
- In 2026 Senate battlegrounds (WI, PA, AZ), abortion polling shows Democrats +15 to +20 on the issue — a structural advantage Dems can leverage
- Only 14% of Americans say abortion should be illegal in all cases — the position of most national Republicans is further right than even most Republican voters
Abortion Opinion by Group
| Group | Legal all cases | Legal most cases | Illegal most cases | Illegal all cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Adults | 13% | 49% | 22% | 14% |
| Democrats | 28% | 52% | 14% | 4% |
| Independents | 12% | 51% | 24% | 11% |
| Republicans | 4% | 40% | 32% | 22% |
| Women | 16% | 52% | 20% | 11% |
| Men | 11% | 46% | 25% | 17% |
| Ages 18–34 | 21% | 54% | 16% | 9% |
| Ages 35–54 | 13% | 50% | 22% | 14% |
| Ages 55+ | 9% | 45% | 28% | 18% |
| College graduates | 17% | 55% | 19% | 8% |
Post-Dobbs Ballot Measure Results
| State | Date | Measure | Result | 2020 Pres. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Aug 2022 | Remove abortion rights from state constitution | FAILED 59-41 | R+14 |
| California | Nov 2022 | Enshrine abortion right in state constitution | PASSED 67-33 | D+29 |
| Kentucky | Nov 2022 | No right to abortion in state constitution | FAILED 52-48 | R+26 |
| Michigan | Nov 2022 | Enshrine abortion right in state constitution | PASSED 57-43 | D+3 |
| Montana | Nov 2022 | Require care for infants born alive | FAILED 52-48 | R+16 |
| Ohio | Nov 2023 | Enshrine abortion right in state constitution | PASSED 57-43 | R+8 |
| Florida | Nov 2024 | Repeal 6-week abortion ban | 57% YES (needed 60%) | R+3 |
Abortion & the 2026 elections
2026 State-Level Abortion Dynamics
Wisconsin Senate majority
Wisconsin has a near-total abortion ban in place. 64% of Wisconsin voters support legal abortion access — making it a central issue in the Ron Johnson Senate race. Abortion drove the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race (D won by 11 points) and is expected to do the same in 2026.
Pennsylvania & Arizona
In PA and AZ Senate battlegrounds, abortion polling shows D+15 to D+20 on the issue. Both states have active abortion fights: AZ voters passed abortion rights in 2024 by 59%, PA has no state constitutional protection. Both are top-tier Democratic targets.
Florida 2026 Initiative
Florida abortion rights activists are mounting a second ballot initiative for 2026 after the 2024 measure got 57% but fell short of the 60% threshold. If it qualifies, it will significantly boost Democratic turnout in a state where Republicans currently hold two Senate seats.
