Voters Cite Economy as Top Issue Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Recent national polling data indicate that economic conditions and high prices are the most influential factors for U.S. voters as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Surveys conducted throughout 2026 consistently report the economy as the leading issue shaping voter decisions.

In a Washington Post/Ipsos poll from July 2026, more than half of registered voters identified the economy and high prices as their primary concern when deciding how to vote. Other topics, including immigration, foreign policy, and health care, were cited less frequently by respondents in the same survey.

A Rasmussen Reports survey conducted in February 2026 also found that the economy was the most important issue for nearly half of likely midterm voters. That poll recorded lower percentages for other issues such as immigration, health care, and national security, indicating a consistent pattern across different polling organizations.

The Pew Research Center reported in July 2026 that economic matters, including cost of living and affordability, were the top subjects voters wanted congressional candidates to address. In this survey, the economy and related financial concerns were mentioned more often than taxes, immigration, or health care.

What the numbers show

• 54% of registered voters in a July 2026 Washington Post/Ipsos poll cited the economy and high prices as most important.
• 48% of likely voters in a February 2026 Rasmussen Reports survey named the economy as their top issue.
• Consumer confidence dropped from 110 in November 2025 to 89 in March 2026, according to U.S. Polling Data.

Additional polling data from U.S. Polling Data in 2026 reported that 54% of registered voters considered the economy the most important issue, and 62% believed the country was on the wrong track. The same summary noted a decline in consumer confidence and a decrease in economic approval ratings for then-President Trump.

Historical context from a 2022 Monmouth University Poll showed a similar pattern, with 54% of Americans prioritizing economic issues and cost of living over concerns about rights and democratic processes when considering congressional support. This suggests that economic concerns have remained a consistent priority for voters over recent election cycles.

While the economy consistently ranks highest, other issues such as immigration, foreign policy, health care, and taxes continue to be present in voter considerations, but at lower levels. Across various polls, the share of voters citing these topics as their main issue remains below that of economic concerns.

Overall, polling data from multiple sources in 2026 demonstrate a clear focus on economic issues among U.S. voters, with cost of living and affordability frequently highlighted as key topics for congressional candidates to address in the midterm elections.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.