Press Releases

Faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences pursue collaborative research agendas linked to political communication. They focus undergraduate students’ attention on the symbiosis between politics and communication, with special emphasis on digital technology’s growing role in campaigns and public policy debates. Faculty affiliated with the Center for Political Communication regularly conduct cutting-edge research through national and statewide public opinion polls. Studies sponsored by the CPC have received coverage in a wide range of news outlets, including the Atlantic, the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, US News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Slate, and Wired.

Chart showing trust or lack of trust in DOGE and President Trump

New Research from UD’s Center for Political Communication Shows Little Public Trust in Musk, DOGE

Media Contact: Peter Bothum, (302) 831-2791
UD Office of Communication and Marketing
[email protected]

NEWARK, D.E. – March 18, 2025

New data from the Center for Political Communication (CPC) at the University of Delaware shows many Americans have little trust in either Elon Musk or the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Only one in four Americans report “a lot” or “a great deal” of trust in Musk or DOGE. And only about half of Republicans report “a lot” or “a great deal” of trust in either
(compared to 70% of Republicans who report “a lot” or “a great deal” of trust in President Trump). Meanwhile, among independent voters, only 11% report “a lot” or “a great deal” of trust in Musk and 13% in DOGE.

Researcher(s):

Dannagal Young, Ph.D.

Graph showing Support for major party candidates among Delaware Independents favoring the Democratic Party

New poll shows gender gap and independents fueling large lead for Delaware Democrats

Democrats look set to sweep all of the major statewide races in Delaware this November, according to a new poll from the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication (CPC). Democratic candidates are being boosted by a large gender gap in vote preference and strong support from Independent voters. 

Press Release

Researcher(s):

Associate Professor Phil Jones, research director of the Center for Political Communication

Data are weighted to population benchmarks. People low in abortion misperceptions scored in the bottom 25th percentile and people high in abortion misperceptions scored in the top 25th percentile.

Voters Lack Key Information About Abortion

Many voters hold misperceptions about abortion, a new study from the Center for Political Communication (CPC) at the University of Delaware shows. This finding has implications for the coming election, given that a majority of registered voters say the issue of abortion will be “very important” for determining how they vote. And in 10 states, voters will weigh in directly on ballot measures to set abortion policy. The information voters have about abortion may shape their behavior on election day.

Press Release

Researcher(s):

Erin C. Cassese, PhD