More people see old age as a reason not to vote for a candidate than sexual orientation

MAY 22, 2019: Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg
MAY 22, 2019: Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg Photo: Shutterstock

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, sexual orientation has taken a backseat to age when it comes to choosing a presidential candidate. This is good news for the Buttigieg campaign, but not so much for President Trump and Democratic hopefuls Saunders, Warren, and Biden. 

The poll, conducted in association with the Williams Institute, included 2,237 adults. 

The poll was held in advance of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, widely recognized as the ignition of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, and shows a trend towards acceptance of LGBTQ people for even the highest office of the United States.

South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is gay, is one of the frontrunners in a crowded Democratic field. He is also one of the youngest candidates in the race. Buttigieg is 40 years younger than Senator Bernie Sanders and 39 years younger than former Vice President Joe Biden. Even Senator Elizabeth Warren is 71, compared to Buttigieg’s 39 years old.

Related: Chasten Buttigieg’s brother called Mayor Pete & his husband liars on Fox News 

Meanwhile, President Trump, who turns 73 this coming week, has been facing mounting questions about his age and health as he enters what will likely be a very tough re-election campaign.

Nearly half of those surveyed were “much” or “somewhat” unlikely to support a candidate over 70 years old, with only 11% saying that were more likely to vote for a septuagenarian.  

Conversely, only 34% said that a candidate being gay would adversely affect their choice, while 12% were more likely to vote for a gay candidate.

The poll itself did not name names when it asked those surveyed about their choices, but it is likely that the prominence of some of the older candidates, as well as Buttigieg’s presence in the race, may have skewed some of the numbers.

There’s still plenty of room for improvement in the numbers for gay candidates, particularly amongst Republicans. 20% of Democrats said that were more likely to vote for a gay candidate, compared to but 6% of Republicans.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Their families rejected them. Now they’re calling to say they love them & apologize.

Previous article

Texas school district donates cash from antigay church to local Pride festival

Next article