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WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new Gallup survey conducted in partnership with With Honor Institute finds that Americans place greater value on military service than any other credential when evaluating candidates for public office. The research highlights the trust and confidence Americans continue to put in veterans, both as potential elected officials and as community leaders.

The nationwide survey of more than 2,000 adults shows that:

• 55% of Americans say military service makes them more likely to vote for a candidate – compared with 7% who say it makes them less likely.
• Veterans are seen as possessing strong leadership skills, with 83% of Americans agreeing this quality applies to those with military backgrounds.
• Large majorities believe veterans put the country’s interests ahead of their own (78%), work effectively across differences (77%), and understand global security challenges (76%).

“At a time when Americans are searching for leaders they can trust, this research underscores a powerful truth: veterans continue to embody service above self,” said Rye Barcott, Founder and President of With Honor Institute. “Our collaboration with Gallup affirms that military experience is more than a credential; it’s a proven foundation of integrity, competence, and commitment to the common good.”

Veterans Trusted in Leadership Roles

Beyond elections, the survey also finds Americans trust veterans more than non-veterans in a range of civic and leadership roles:

• 83% trust veterans to assist with natural disaster response.
• 70% trust veterans to help shape foreign policy.
• 68% trust veterans to serve in community leadership roles.

“These findings show that Americans don’t just value military experience at the ballot box. They see veterans as honorable contributors across many essential roles in society,” said Colonel Michael Tilton, U.S. Army (Ret.), project director at Gallup. “Military service continues to signal leadership, working well with diverse groups of people, and a commitment to the public good.”

About the Study

This Gallup-With Honor Institute survey was conducted August 1–15, 2025, among a random sample of 2,132 U.S. adults from the Gallup Panel. Results carry a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

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About With Honor Institute

The With Honor Institute (WHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to fight polarization and strengthen the foundation of our democracy. WHI works to educate, inform, and support principled veterans and servant leaders who value integrity, civility, and courage—the Institute endeavors to bridge divides and foster collaboration to create a more effective and less polarized Congress.

About Gallup

Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.

For complete results, including trend data and visualizations, visit Gallup.com.

Media Contact:
Press@withhonorinstitute.org