Ahead of the midterms, most voters cite the economy and cost of living as top issues and favor political change

October 15, 2026

Ahead of the 2026 midterms, voters are focused on economic concerns and are eager for change. Most cite the economy and the cost of living among the country’s most important issues, and 8 in 10 say the country needs substantial change or complete and total upheaval in how it is run. Many also express pessimism about the state of U.S. politics, with only 1 in 10 saying they feel optimistic.

Eighty-five percent of voters say the economy is one of the most important issues when considering their vote in the upcoming election, and 84% say the same about the cost of living. Health care is considered a top issue for 69% of voters, while 64% cite the war with Iran as a top issue. Forty-five percent say immigration and crime are among the most important issues. Fewer voters say artificial intelligence (35%) or transgender issues (12%) are top priorities.

The economy and cost of living are considered crucial issues for both Democratic and Republican voters. Republican voters are more likely to cite crime and immigration as top issues in the upcoming election, while Democratic voters are more likely to mention health care as a top issue.

A large majority of voters say the country needs either “substantial change” or “complete and total upheaval” in how it is run. Democratic and independent voters are especially likely to want change, with about half of Democrats and 4 in 10 independents saying they want upheaval. Republican voters, though less likely to favor complete upheaval, are still seeking change. Nearly half, 45%, say they would like to see substantial change in how the country is run.

Two-thirds of voters feel pessimistic about the state of politics in this country. Half are pessimistic about the future of the Democratic party and the Republican party as well as democracy as a whole.

Nearly half of voters would like Democrats to take control of Congress, with 47% favoring Democratic control of the U.S. House of Representatives and 46% favoring Democratic control of the Senate, compared with 38% who would prefer Republicans to remain in charge of both chambers. Fifteen percent are unsure, with independents more likely than partisans to be undecided about who should control the legislature.

Overall, 36% of voters approve of how President Trump is handling his job while 64% disapprove. Crime remains one of Trump’s stronger issues with 45% of voters approving of his handling of this issue. About three quarters of voters disapprove of how he is handling the economy (74%) or the cost of living (79%). About two-thirds disapprove of how Trump is dealing with foreign policy.

About a third of voters have a favorable opinion of Trump (35%), Vice President JD Vance (35%), and the Republican Party (36%). Four in 10 voters have a favorable view of the Democratic Party.