THE POLL BEHIND THE NUMBER

The 92% figure comes from the Highland Project’s sixth annual national poll of Black women voters, conducted with Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies. The survey of 700 Black women voters was released September 29, 2026, in a report titled “The Fulfillment Gap” — and the trend line is stark: dissatisfaction has climbed from 53% in August 2024 to 92% today.

But here’s the twist the headline misses: dissatisfaction isn’t disengagement. 77% of respondents said they are very motivated to vote in the 2026 midterms, and 61% believe this year’s midterms matter more than previous ones. They’re not checking out — they’re voting out of protection.

POCKETBOOK AND PROTECTION

The poll quantifies the squeeze: 88% believe economic conditions are getting worse, 58% say wages are falling behind the cost of living, and 21% reported being affected by federal layoffs. On democracy, 95% are concerned that weakening voting-rights protections will hurt Black communities — and 87% say those changes make them more motivated to vote.

“It’s not just economy, it’s dignity,” said Cornell Belcher, president of Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies.

The Highland Project calculated an overall “fulfillment ratio” of just 38% — the share of Black women’s stated needs they feel the country’s leaders and institutions actually deliver on.

NOT ABOUT A PARTY

Gabrielle Wyatt, founder and CEO of the Highland Project, pushed back on framing Black women voters as a political utility: “Our humanity is what’s on the line to protect. That should not be confused with preference for a candidate or an administration. This is really about the issues.”

Reference source: ESSENCE

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