Washington, September 7 — A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 47% of registered voters say the cost of living would be the single most important factor in deciding their 2026 midterm vote, as the November 3 elections approach. The survey, conducted August 28-31, 2026, also covered views on President Donald Trump’s handling of the presidency and preferences for the Democratic or Republican Party on key issues, including the war in Iran.
Economic pessimism is widespread, with the LSEG/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index for August 2026 standing at 49.4, down 1.6 points from the previous month. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted July 29-August 3, 2026, found the Democratic Party holds an eight-point lead over the GOP as the more trusted party to handle the cost of living.
However, ratings of both parties’ ideas are tepid, with only 39% of Americans saying the Democratic Party has a lot or some good ideas, and the same 39% saying the same of the Republican Party.
Party Preferences
The polls also examined political ideology, finding that large majorities of liberals say increasing taxes on corporations and billionaires and government healthcare for all Americans are important or essential to being a liberal. In contrast, majorities of conservatives say reducing the size of the federal government and reducing the amount of foreign aid provided by the U.S. are important or essential to being a conservative.
A Washington Post/Ipsos poll released July 18, 2026, found Americans pessimistic about the trajectory of the economy and future economic prospects, with 59% saying they are not confident that negotiations to end the economic downturn will be successful. The 2026 midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, with all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats up for election.
Looking Ahead
Strategically, the calculus for both parties is clear: the cost of living and economic concerns will be a major factor in the upcoming elections. What this signals is a shift in focus towards economic issues, and both parties will need to address these concerns to win over voters. The broader stakes are high, with control of Congress hanging in the balance, and the outcome will have significant implications for the country’s economic and political landscape.
As the elections approach, it will be important to watch how both parties respond to these economic concerns and how they shape their messaging to appeal to voters. The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, will likely face scrutiny over their handling of the economy, and their response to these challenges will be closely watched by voters and analysts alike.
