Vanderbilt Poll Shows Approval for Tennessee Lawmakers

A recent Vanderbilt Poll indicates an increase in approval for Tennessee lawmakers, now at 53%, despite significant public support for policies they have resisted, such as abortion exceptions, gun reform, and marijuana legalization. The poll reveals that 53% of Tennesseans identify as pro-choice, with overwhelming support for exceptions in cases of rape (82%) and incest (81%). Additionally, 86% of voters favor laws requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms, and 78% support red flag laws. Support for Medicaid expansion stands at 73%, transcending party lines, yet the Republican-controlled General Assembly continues to oppose such measures. The findings suggest a disconnect between the elected officials' actions and voter preferences, raising questions about the influence of recent elections on lawmakers' approval ratings. The poll was conducted with 955 registered voters from November 18 to December 4, 2023.