Who did the polling :
Data for Progress (DFP) is an American left-wing think tank, polling firm, and political advocacy group focused on advancing progressive causes through data-driven research, public opinion polling, and strategic insights. Founded in 2018 by data scientist and activist Sean McElwee, it was initially led by him until his dismissal in November 2022 amid ties to cryptocurrency investor Sam Bankman-Fried. The organization operates under two supporting entities: the 501(c)(3) Data for Social Good Education Fund and the 501(c)(4) Data for the Social Good, Inc., and is affiliated with Tides Advocacy.Mission and WorkDFP aims to empower progressive activists, movements, and policymakers by demonstrating the viability of bold progressive policies. It conducts weekly surveys of tens of thousands of voters via SMS, web, and other methods to test messaging, analyze public sentiment, and inform strategies on issues like economic justice, climate change, immigration, and electoral reforms. Its polling and analysis have been cited by major outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, and CBS News, and it has advised Democratic campaigns, including those of President Joe Biden, Senators, and members of Congress like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Key initiatives include:The Progressive Cabinet Project (2020), which lobbied for progressive appointees in the Biden administration, such as Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior.
The "Party Builder" ranking (2019) to encourage Democratic presidential candidates to support state legislative races.
The "Fuck Gerry(mandering)" project (2019) with Crooked Media to aid Democrats in Virginia.
Reports on the Green New Deal and voter perceptions of U.S. life.
DFP emphasizes innovative polling techniques, like text-to-web surveys, to reach modern voters and has been ranked as one of the most accurate pollsters in the 2020 Democratic primary.Leadership and TeamAs of late 2025, DFP is led by Executive Director Ryan Dawson, who oversees operations, research, and strategy after joining in 2019 from roles at SEIU, the DNC, and campaigns for Barack Obama and others. Other key figures include:Julian Brave NoiseCat, Vice President of Policy & Strategy, known for advocacy in Native American communities and climate organizing with
350.org.
Anika Ruiz, Senior Analyst focused on economic justice polling.
Betony Jones, Senior Resident Fellow on good jobs and community benefits in the low-carbon transition.
Jamie McClelland, Senior Software Engineer with a background in climate justice organizing at Amazon.
The team comprises multidisciplinary experts in data science, organizing, and policy.Influence and CriticismDFP has rapidly risen to prominence within the Democratic Party, collaborating with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and influencing Biden-era policies. Its work has helped shape narratives around progressive ideas' popularity and combat misinformation. However, it has faced criticism from some on the American Left for not being sufficiently critical of Democratic Party establishment figures.