There’s one person in America who garners more affection from Democrats than even Santa Claus, and that individual is known for his own promises of generous gifts.
Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont who once ran as a Democrat, captured hearts with pledges of free healthcare, college, and preschool during his presidential runs in 2016 and 2020. He remains the Democratic party’s favorite elder statesman from the North.
A poll conducted by JL Partners exclusively for the Daily Mail has revealed that Bernie Sanders is the most favored political figure among Democrats, earning a net favorability rating of 65 points, surpassing all others.
While Santa Claus enjoys a net favorability of 59 points, Sanders edges him out, particularly noteworthy during the festive season when Santa’s popularity traditionally peaks.
Although former Vice President Kamala Harris is viewed favorably by 78 percent of Democrats, her higher unfavorable ratings result in a net favorability of 62 points, placing her just behind Sanders.
This JL Partners survey included 383 likely Democratic primary voters for the 2028 presidential primaries, conducted from December 17 to 19, with a margin of error of 5 percent.
Among other Democrats, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez led the pack with a net favorability of +46, followed by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker at +41, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at +40, and California Governor Gavin Newsom at +37.
Further down the list, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker registered +23, former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke came in at +20, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore brought up the rear at +14.
Santa Claus participates in the Christmas Eve Water Skiing Santa Show on the Potomac River, with the US Capitol in the background, in Alexandria, Virginia, USA, 24 December 2025
Former Democrat and current independent Senator Bernie Sanders topped a list of favorite Democrat politicians in the latest poll by JL Partners conducted exclusively for the Daily Mail
JL Partners’ poll this year also revealed a number of fascinating results about how Americans view the holiday season and other Christmastime traditions.
Americans’ favorite Christmas song this year was revealed to ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,’ chosen by 26 percent of overall respondents, making it a rare point of agreement across party lines as 29 percent of Republicans and 27 percent of Democrats both selected it as their top choice.
The most irritating Christmas song was widely considered to be ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,’ disliked by 35 percent of respondents, with Republicans and Democrats united in their annoyance.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris ranked below Bernie Sanders in a list of the top Democrat politicians in the latest poll by JL Partners conducted exclusively for the Daily Mail
New York Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez ranked among the top Democrat politicians in the latest poll by JL Partners conducted exclusively for the Daily Mail
In terms of traditions people are ready to leave behind, ugly Christmas sweaters led the way at 22 percent, followed by Elf on the Shelf at 15 percent and matching family pajamas at 14 percent.
Meanwhile, the long-running debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie leans toward ‘no,’ with 47 percent disagreeing compared to 37 percent agreeing.
Men were evenly split on the issue, while women more decisively rejected the idea by a 50 percent to 30 percent margin.
The current president was seen overall as the worst politician to sit next to at the holiday table, although Republicans, predictably instead name Biden as their least desirable seatmate.
Republicans said they would most like to sit next to Trump at Christmas dinner, while Democrats preferred Barack Obama and Kamala Harris.
