Republicans Strongly Oppose Replacing the Holiday with Indigenous People’s Day. Most Other Groups Are More Open to It.
A plurality of Americans agree that Columbus Day should be celebrated by all Americans. However, that sentiment is driven mostly by overwhelming agreement among Republicans.
In fact, most Americans – including Italian Americans – do not have strong opinions about Christopher Columbus and despite support for celebrating the holiday, a plurality of Americans would support their local community celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead.
WHY IT MATTERS
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, questions about how we tell our national story are taking center stage. TColumbus Day has become another flash point in our nation’s culture war as we grapple with how to honor our historic figures while acknowledging the impact European settlers had on indigenous populations.
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Mixed Sentiment
Americans are divided in their views of Christopher Columbus.
- 37% of voters have a favorable opinion of Columbus, while 28% are unfavorable and 34% have no opinion.
- Republicans and Gen Z feel the strongest—on opposite sides. 56% of Republicans view Columbus favorably (25% very favorable), while 54% of Gen Z view him unfavorably (34% very unfavorable).
Who Supports Columbus Day
A plurality (47%) of voters agree that Columbus Day should be celebrated by all Americans compared to 36% who disagree.
- Support comes from Republicans (69%-17%), while Democrats (35%-50%) and independents (35%-42%) tend to disagree.
- The age gap is wide. Boomers agree by 56%-25%, while Gen Z voters disagree 29%-59%.
Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day?
Even though a plurality supports celebrating Columbus Day, many would also back their community celebrating Indigenous People’s Day instead.
- Democrats (67%–20%) and Gen Z voters (72%–18%) strongly support the change.
- Millennials (58%–26%) agree, while Republicans (27%–60%) remain firmly opposed.
How Americans Judge Historical Figures
Despite division over Columbus, most voters want a balanced approach to history.
- 64% agree that historical figures should be judged by the standards of their own time.
- 68% say they should continue to be honored for the good they did, even if they also did things now considered wrong.
Gen Z voters are less likely to agree but still favor a nuanced view that acknowledges complexity rather than erasing history.
Preserve or Redefine our Holidays?
When asked more broadly about holidays that honor historical figures, 44% prefer preserving traditional holidays, 24% prefer updating them, and 27% want an even mix.
- Republicans overwhelmingly favor keeping traditional holidays (66%–12%).
- Younger voters lean toward updating them, while 47% of Gen X and 59% of Boomers favor preservation.
Italian Americans Mirror the Broader Public
Although Columbus Day has long been associated with Italian American heritage, respondents with Italian ancestry expressed nearly identical views to the general population. Their responses were only slightly more favorable toward Columbus—differences too small to be statistically significant.
The Bottom Line
The Columbus Day debate reflects the broader national conversation taking shape as we approach America’s 250th birthday — a milestone that invites both pride and reflection.
Republicans are energized by defending traditional celebrations like Columbus Day, while Democrats and younger voters see opportunities to reshape how we commemorate the past. Yet across party and age lines, most Americans want a middle path: recognizing historical wrongs without erasing the achievements that built the nation.