Iowans Prefer Presidential Candidates Who Support Science

Majority of Iowans say it is important for presidential candidates to talk about how science and scientific research will affect their policymaking decisions. This is according to the Iowa Science Survey which found that 74 percent of survey participants prefer candidates who support science. The survey, jointly conducted by Research!America and Science Debate asked 802 Iowans on their attitudes to science policy issues during the 2020 presidential election.

Eighty-seven percent of Iowans agree that presidential candidates should participate in a debate to discuss key science-based challenges facing the United States, such as health care, climate change, energy, education, innovation, and the economy. Other key findings from the survey include: 79 percent would like candidates to address climate change; 90 percent believe it is important for the U.S. to be a leader in science and technology research; and 54 percent are more likely to vote for a pro-science candidate. Seventy-five percent of the survey participants believe the candidates should have a science advisor.

For more details about this survey, read the news release from Research!America.