Americans' Economic Frustrations to Loom Large in 2026 Midterms
A new Washington Post/Ipsos poll indicates that economic concerns are poised to be a major factor in the 2026 midterm elections, with Americans expressing pessimism about the economy and their personal financial futures.
Economic concerns are likely to significantly influence the upcoming 2026 U.S. midterm elections, according to a Washington Post/Ipsos poll released July 16, 2026. Americans remain pessimistic about the nation's economic trajectory and their own prospects for improving their standard of living.
The poll revealed that nearly half of Americans expect the economy to worsen over the next year. Grocery affordability is a major concern, with 65% of households finding them unaffordable, while only 40% believe they have a good chance of improving their financial situation. Furthermore, 59% expressed a lack of confidence that ongoing negotiations to end the U.S.-Iran war would lead to normalized gas prices.
Economic issues were cited as the most important factor influencing votes for Congress by over half of registered voters. However, neither the Republican nor the Democratic Party holds a clear advantage in handling the economy. Only 34% trust Republicans and 33% trust Democrats to manage the economy effectively.
President Donald Trump's economic policies received disapproval from 65% of respondents, with 33% approving. This approval rating remains stable compared to April 2026 but is notably lower than at the beginning of his second administration. The survey was conducted among 2,648 U.S. adults between July 8-13, 2026.