Poll Shows Voter Shift Ahead of Midterm Elections
A new AP-NORC poll highlights voter concerns over the economy and cost of living weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Economic Indicators
Live Poll
Does the current cost of living make you more likely to vote for a change in Congress?
An AP-NORC poll indicates that Donald Trump faces declining approval ratings as voters prioritize the economy and the ongoing war in Iran. About half of registered voters currently favor Democratic control of Congress, while 4 in 10 prefer Republican control.
Why it matters
Voters are expressing significant frustration regarding the high cost of living and current presidential leadership. This sentiment is fueling intense interest in the November 3 midterm elections as both parties vie for control of Congress.
Approximately 8 in 10 voters identify the economy or cost of living as a top issue, and roughly two-thirds cite healthcare and the war in Iran as major concerns. Additionally, only one-third of voters report a favorable view of the president.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump serves as the current President of the United States.
The details
Democrats are actively targeting Republican-held seats in Colorado, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia by funding veteran candidates. Meanwhile, Republican voters demonstrate slightly lower midterm participation enthusiasm than their Democratic counterparts.
Timeline
The war in Iran has been ongoing for eight months.
Midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The cost of living was the focus of a previous AP-NORC poll in September 2026.
Macro View
Comparing current voter enthusiasm and party preference to the 2024 presidential election provides a baseline for evaluating the shifting political landscape. This poll data tracks how voter priorities have evolved since the 2024 presidential election cycle.
The intense focus on the economy means that voters may see local campaign platforms heavily dominated by promises to lower the cost of living. These concerns directly influence how residents evaluate candidates competing for control of Congress.
The takeaway
Voters should be aware that their stated priorities regarding healthcare and the economy are shaping the national political strategy. Monitoring the final campaign developments will be crucial for understanding potential shifts in Congressional control.
What happens next
The US midterm elections will take place on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on the national fiscal climate, visit United States Economic Indicators.
Live Poll
Does the current cost of living make you more likely to vote for a change in Congress?
