Priorities
Overview > Voter Segments
Voter Segments: Where Priorities Differ
The economy is a shared priority across parties. On almost everything else, intensity differs sharply, and that shapes which programs can persuade.
Party priorities have flipped since 2022
The party in power shapes priorities. The new majority’s own voters now hold it to an economic standard, and the opposition’s voters will re-engage on the economy the moment they see the other party in charge of it.
A simple design rule
- To persuade, lead with low-gap issues. Immigration and crime, plus the economy, which 82% of Republican and 88% of Democratic supporters rate very important.
- To mobilize, use high-gap issues. Climate, income distribution and healthcare energize the base.
- Frame in cost terms. Healthcare framed as a monthly bill reaches Republicans and independents better than healthcare framed as coverage policy.
Groups that moved, and what they want
About 1 in 10 voters
About 7 in 10 voted Democratic for the House, after splitting roughly evenly in 2024. About half say they are angry about the country’s direction.
What they want: Housing costs, child care, AI, and job security. Deliver fast to keep a volatile group engaged.
Shifted toward Democrats
About 6 in 10 voted Democratic; the Republican share fell from roughly 4 in 10 in 2024 to about one-third. About 7 in 10 say the president’s policies worsened the economy.
What they want: Prices and wages first; enforcement guardrails without abandoning border credibility.
About 3 in 10 voters
Swung away from Republicans. About 6 in 10 call cost of living central to their vote, versus about half of higher earners.
What they want: Direct, visible relief on utilities, groceries, and healthcare.
Moved toward Democrats
The economy (51%), healthcare (48%) and Iran (46%) lead for independents. Most want stronger checks on the president.
What they want: Bipartisan framing, ethics reform and measurable cost results.
Base held
About 4 in 10 want more checks on the president. Immigration (44%) and crime (43%) lead; the economy’s importance is down 25 points since 2022.
What they want: Openings on corruption, data center costs, and congressional authority.
Sources for this page
- The Issues Voters Say Matter Most This Midterm (Gallup, October 29, 2026)
- Economy Ranks as Top Issue in Midterms for All Voters (Pew Research Center, October 8, 2026)
- AP Voter Poll: How key demographic groups voted in the 2026 midterms (AP via PBS News, November 3, 2026)
- AP Voter Poll 2026: how voters shifted since 2024 (secondary analysis of AP data)
- Inflation, tariffs and a voter revolt: The midterm verdict on Trump’s economy (AP report, November 5, 2026)
What Voters Want 2026. Working analysis, November 2026. Figures from election-day and pre-election surveys; projections may change as counting finishes.