A recent survey by The POLITICO Poll has revealed what voters prioritize when selecting their preferred candidates. While the findings show that voters are generally open to candidates who are not white men, they still show a slight preference for younger candidates and those who identify as Christian. The poll also found that voters are more likely to reject transgender candidates in hypothetical matchups, with Republican voters showing a stronger reluctance than Democratic voters. These results bring new attention to an ongoing debate within both major political parties about what makes a candidate “electable.” This issue has been central to discussions in recent years, especially during the 2020 Democratic primary and is expected to influence the 2028 election as well. While Democrats have often focused on whether voters can accept candidates of color or women, the poll suggests that voter preferences are shaped more by concerns over aging politicians and cultural issues than by race or gender. Mike Nellis, a veteran Democratic strategist, said that while identity plays a role in politics, it is often overemphasized by consultants. “The American people think about identity less than the average political consultant does,” he said. “There are plenty of talented people who can overcome those barriers.” To understand how voters evaluate candidates, POLITICO’s polling partner, Public First, presented thousands of respondents with hypothetical matchups. Each candidate was described by their race, age, gender, profession, and political alignment. Respondents then chose which candidate they preferred. The results showed that political ideology was the most important factor for voters. However, there were other notable trends. Voters across both parties were more likely to favor younger candidates over older ones. Republicans, in particular, showed a preference for candidates described as Christian or regular churchgoers, even when the candidates had similar political views. Additionally, voters were less likely to support candidates described as gay, but not necessarily if they were described as married to their husbands without explicitly labeling them as gay. Transgender candidates were also less likely to be supported, with GOP voters showing a stronger reluctance. The poll also found that candidates over 70 were nearly 10% less likely to be chosen than those under 50, with Democrats slightly more likely to disfavor older candidates. The poll did not find significant differences based on a candidate's race or gender, except for gender identity. This has sparked debate among Democrats considering their future presidential strategies. Some argue that choosing a white male candidate might be the best path to victory in 2028, following Kamala Harris's loss in 2024. Pete Buttigieg, who is considering a run for president in 2028, has said that the country is now ready for a gay president. He believes that the focus of voters is not on the candidate’s identity, but on their own lives and the issues they face. “What's on people's minds isn't about you, your identity as a candidate,” he said. “It's about them. It’s about their lives.”