Economy and Cost of Living: The Issues Driving the 2026 Midterm Vote

As Americans cast their ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, surveys point to a clear leading concern: money. Polling released in the final days of the campaign shows the economy and the cost of living at the top of voters' priorities.

What the polls found

An Associated Press and NORC poll found that 85 percent of registered voters called the economy one of the most important issues, while 84 percent said the same about the cost of living. A Pew Research Center survey taken in July pointed the same way. When voters were asked which single issue they most wanted candidates to discuss, economic topics were the largest group, with prices and affordability mentioned most often.

Concern across party lines

The worry is not limited to one side. In the AP-NORC poll, 80 percent of Republicans and 89 percent of Democrats described the economy as one of the most important issues. On the cost of living, the figures were 76 percent for Republicans and 91 percent for Democrats. People from both parties described rising prices for everyday goods and services in interviews with reporters.

Other issues in the mix

• **Immigration and healthcare:** These remain major topics, though polls show the parties differ on how much weight to give them.
• **Government ethics and reform:** In Pew's July survey, a notable share of voters wanted candidates to focus on it.
• **Foreign policy:** It also appeared among voters' concerns, with some polls asking about American military involvement abroad.

The mood of the electorate

The AP-NORC survey also found a strong appetite for change. About one-third of voters said they wanted a complete upheaval in the election results, and another 47 percent wanted substantial change. Voters in both parties said they were frustrated that Congress does not seem to get things done.

Why it matters

When the economy dominates, campaigns tend to focus on prices, wages, jobs and taxes. Analysts say the party in the White House is often judged on economic conditions during a midterm, though each party argues the other is responsible for the problems voters feel.

A note on polls

Polls measure opinion at a moment in time and carry a margin of error. They do not predict the result. Only the votes counted on and before Election Day will decide who controls Congress.