US Midterm Elections 2026: Voters Prioritize Economy Amidst Partisan Divides on Key Issues

As Americans prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming US midterm elections on Tuesday, the economy and the rising cost of living have emerged as paramount concerns. While both Democrats and Republicans acknowledge the pressure of increasing expenses, their perspectives diverge significantly on the state of the economy, the legacy of President Donald Trump, and other critical issues. An NBC poll released on Sunday revealed that 75 percent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the US economy, with 51 percent also unhappy with their personal financial situations. Further surveys from October offer a deeper insight into the financial sentiments and issue priorities of voters across both parties.

Key Issues for Democrats and Republicans

The economy stands as the primary concern for US voters, yet Democrats and Republicans assign different levels of importance to issues such as healthcare, immigration, and crime. A Pew Research Centre survey, conducted from September 28 to October 4, indicated that 84 percent of registered voters deemed the economy critically important for their midterm vote. This issue ranked highest for 82 percent of those favoring Republican candidates and 88 percent for Democratic supporters. However, notable differences arise in other areas. Approximately 85 percent of Democratic Party supporters prioritized the future of democracy, in contrast to 69 percent of Republicans. Healthcare was a significant concern for 82 percent of Democrats, compared to 53 percent of Republicans. Immigration was a higher priority for Republican supporters, with 72 percent citing it as very important, versus 53 percent of Democrats. Violent crime also registered as more important for Republican supporters at 64 percent, compared to 37 percent of Democrats.

A KFF survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, conducted between September 16 and 21, suggested that 42 percent of registered voters trusted Democrats more to manage healthcare costs, while 22 percent trusted Republicans. Regarding the cost of living, 39 percent favored Democrats, and 25 percent preferred Republicans.

Voter Perceptions of President Trump's Second Term and Economic Policies

Views on President Trump and his economic initiatives remain sharply divided along party lines. The Pew Research Centre survey found that 91 percent of Democratic respondents and those leaning Democratic believed Trump’s economic policies had exacerbated conditions. Among Republican supporters, 39 percent felt his policies had improved the economy, 35 percent believed they had worsened conditions, and 25 percent indicated they had minimal impact. A November 1 NBC News poll showed that 40 percent of registered voters approved of Trump’s overall job performance, while 60 percent disapproved.

Democratic and Republican Views on the Economy

Americans are expressing concern over escalating costs, with Democrats more inclined than Republicans to voice negative sentiments about economic conditions. A Pew Research survey from October indicated that 36 percent of Republicans rated the US economy as excellent or good, compared to only 9 percent of Democrats or Democrat-leaning voters. Nevertheless, a majority within both groups conveyed apprehension about the cost of essential goods and services. PEW data shows that 82 percent of Democrats and Democratic leaners were concerned about food and consumer prices, contrasted with 62 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners. Healthcare costs were a concern for 80 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans, while petrol and energy prices worried 81 percent of Democrats and 65 percent of Republicans. A Fox News poll on October 14 reported that 74 percent of registered voters viewed the economy negatively, with 60 percent identifying the cost of living as their primary economic concern. The November 1 NBC News poll found 53 percent of Republican respondents dissatisfied with the economy's state. The Pew Research Center also noted that abortion and gun policy held less prominence for Democratic respondents compared to 2022. For Republican voters, education and energy policies were less significant than they were four years prior.

Personal Financial Satisfaction

In the NBC poll, 51 percent of registered voters reported dissatisfaction with their personal financial situation, compared to 49 percent who expressed satisfaction. This marks the first time in 30 years of NBC polling that dissatisfaction with personal finances has surpassed satisfaction. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll from October 19-20 indicated that 38 percent of likely voters felt their finances had worsened over the past year, 44 percent believed they remained stable, and 15 percent saw improvement. A total of 51 percent of Democratic likely voters stated their finances had deteriorated, versus 21 percent of Republicans. A Reuters/Ipsos survey from September 30 to October 5 revealed that 71 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans felt their incomes had not kept pace with rising prices. Eric Ham, a former Democratic congressional staffer and Senate national security adviser, attributed some of the financial strain on American households to Trump’s global tariffs and the US-Israel war on Iran, stating, “Americans are paying more not just in terms of self-inflicted wounds that President Donald Trump implemented through tariffs, but also if you look at this war of choice.”

Voter Enthusiasm and Voting Intentions

Democratic voters reported higher levels of enthusiasm for participating in the elections. The Marist poll showed 91 percent of likely Democratic voters were enthusiastic or very enthusiastic, compared to 86 percent of Republicans and 76 percent of Independents. John Fury, a former Republican congressional staffer, commented that the final campaign days were focused on turnout, stating, “This is not a persuasion election. This is a get-out-the-base election.” A KFF survey indicated that Democratic candidate supporters were 25 percentage points more likely than Republican supporters to describe themselves as “more motivated” than usual to vote (63 percent versus 38 percent). The November 1 NBC News poll also registered high interest, with 70 percent of registered voters rating their interest at nine or 10 on a 10-point scale.

Surveys conducted in the weeks leading up to the election suggested a preference among voters for Democratic candidates or Democratic control of Congress over Republicans. An NBC poll from October 28-30, published on November 1, indicated that 52 percent of registered voters favored Democratic control of Congress, compared to 45 percent who preferred Republican control. Similarly, the Reuters/Ipsos poll from October 22 to October 26 suggested that 53 percent of likely voters would vote for or lean towards Democratic candidates in their district, versus 44 percent who supported Republicans. These surveys gauge voting sentiment but do not predict the outcomes of individual races.