77% of voters nationwide support raising taxes on billionaires, including 65% of Republicans and 75% of Independents
New polling from Impact Research for Tax the Greedy Billionaires shows candidates who will rein in billionaire power hold a strong advantage over those who won’t, offering a roadmap for Democrats looking to take back power. Three in 5 (62%) voters prefer a candidate who supports raising taxes on billionaires, versus just 12% who prefer one who opposes it — a 50-point gap. Among Democratic primary voters, that gap widens to 79 points (83% vs. 4%).
California Governor Gavin Newsom is paying a measurable political price for his refusal to take on billionaires. As Newsom eyes a presidential run, California voters are signaling a clear preference for more progressive candidates who embrace taxing billionaires.
“This polling makes it clear that working people see billionaire control as a direct tax on their lives, driving up the cost of everything from housing and healthcare to childcare,” said Tax the Greedy Billionaires Campaign Director Igor Volsky. “Leaders across the political spectrum claim to fight for the middle class. This polling makes the test simple: You can either protect the billionaires or you can stand with the 75% of Californians who are ready to tax them.”
In a survey conducted February 20 – 25, 2026, participants were asked a variety of questions about the proposed one-time tax on billionaires in California. Key takeaways:
- Candidates unambiguously associated with taxing the ultra-wealthy have a strong lead among Democratic primary voters nationwide.
- When tested against major Democratic figures who center their message on taking on billionaires and promoting economic populism, Gavin Newsom trails with a net favorability of +37.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders leads with a net favorability of +64, followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez at +46, and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at +44.
- Newsom’s specific vulnerability: If Newsom were to oppose raising taxes on billionaires, voters nationwide would view him less favorably by 28 points. Among Democratic primary voters, his favorability takes a 43 point hit.
Why does taxing billionaires matter for Gavin Newsom in 2028?
- The baseline is overwhelming: 77% of voters nationwide support raising taxes on billionaires — including 65% of Republicans and 75% of Independents. This is not a base-mobilization issue. It’s a majority issue that reaches into every demographic subgroup.
This falls in line with the larger trend that midterms is setting up for 2028: Democratic primary voters — and the broader electorate — are demanding candidates who will take on billionaires and hold the ultra wealthy accountable.
If you would like to discuss the polling, please reach out to [email protected].
