# Half of Americans would be drawn to an outsider candidate who shares their beliefs

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/politics/half-of-americans-would-be-drawn-to-an-outsider-candidate-who-shares-their-beliefs/

> Indexed question in Politics.

## Reading

Verasight surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults from September 25 to 30, 2026. 50.0% of Americans say shared beliefs would make them more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who has never held office. A fresh perspective (45.8%) and seeming authentic and relatable (45.7%) come close behind.

Strong personal appeal or leadership draws 39.4%, not being part of the political establishment 34.8%, and challenging the status quo 34.6%. Some 15.5% say none of these would make them more willing, and respondents could pick several.

## Topline

Which of the following reasons would make you more likely to vote for such a candidate?

Half of Americans would be drawn to an outsider candidate who shares their beliefs.

Respondents could select more than one option, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

- They align with my beliefs: 50.0%
- They bring a fresh perspective: 45.8%
- They seem authentic and relatable: 45.7%
- They have a strong personal appeal or leadership presence: 39.4%
- They are not part of the political establishment: 34.8%
- They seek to challenge the status quo: 34.6%
- They have a successful professional careers (e.g., business): 33.6%
- None: 15.5%

## Methodology

- Mode: Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting
- Population: US adults age 18+
- Field dates: 2026-09-25 → 2026-09-30
- Base (unweighted): 1,000
- Margin of error: +/- 3.5%
- Module: Democracy, Politics, & Participation
- Sponsor: Verasight
- Weight variable: weight
- Weighting targets: age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-33](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-33)

## Citation

APSA Omnibus Survey #2026-153, fielded September 25-30, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.5%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-33](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-33)