Biden and Trump Are the Least-Liked Presidential Candidates in 30 Years

What We’re Showing

The percentage of people with unfavorable views of both major party candidates since the 1988 presidential election.

Methodology 

The Pew Research Center interviewed 8,638 adults between May 13 and 19, 2024, using a random sampling of residential addresses. The Center asked the participants for their overall opinion of each candidate. 

For previous elections, candidate favorability ratings are based on Pew Research Center surveys and the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research archives, using surveys conducted in May or June each election year.

Key Takeaways

• Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the least-liked pair of major party presidential candidates in at least three decades
• A quarter of Americans hold unfavorable views of both candidates
• This marks the highest proportion of negative views for both candidates in surveys conducted around five months before the election since the 1988 election