Democrats Pessimistic on Finances, While Republicans and Undeclared Voters Show Optimism

DURHAM, NH — New data from the Business and Industry Association (BIA) and the University of New Hampshire Survey Center reveals a striking divide in how New Hampshire residents view their financial future. The survey, conducted in May 2025, shows that Democrats are overwhelmingly pessimistic about their personal finances, while Republicans and undeclared voters remain far more optimistic.

Among registered Democrats, a staggering 79% expect to be worse off financially a year from now. Only 3% of registered Democrats believe they will be better off, and another 18% expect to be about the same. That leaves just 21% of Democrats with a neutral or positive outlook.

By contrast, 61% of registered Republicans expect to be better off, with another 28% expecting their financial situation to remain the same—a combined 89% of Republicans expressing confidence in their future.

Undeclared voters—who make up a significant share of New Hampshire’s electorate—fall in the middle but lean toward optimism. 30% of registered undeclared voters say they expect to be better off, and another 33% expect to remain about the same. That means 63% of undeclared voters anticipate at least stable finances, a stark contrast to Democrats’ views.

Across the state overall, 60% of residents say they expect their household finances to be either better off or the same a year from now, while 40% expect things to get worse.

This data highlights a growing divide in economic sentiment, with Democrats far more likely to expect worsening conditions, while Republicans and a majority of undeclared voters remain hopeful about the future.

The BIA survey, conducted in May 2025, included responses from 1,236 Granite Staters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.