Overview

What Voters Want After the 2026 Midterms

The November 3, 2026 midterms were decided by pocketbook pain and distrust of government. Here is what voters said, and the programs that answer them.

The five issues that drove the vote

1    

About 4 in 10 voters named the economy their top issue. About 8 in 10 said inflation caused hardship at home.

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2   

More than half called corruption crucial to their vote. About 7 in 10 want Congress to do more to check the president.

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3    

Half of voters rated healthcare extremely important, tying its 2010 high.

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4    

The one issue where Republicans hold an edge in trust, yet 57% say enforcement has gone too far.

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5    

AI and data centers, the Iran war, and Supreme Court reform. Only about 4 in 10 voters approve of the Court; term limits draw 74% support.

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See the full issue breakdown  >

The political picture

Democrats are projected to control both chambers, with at least 54 Senate seats and a House majority estimated in the mid 250s.

But only about half of voters view the Democratic Party favorably, versus about 4 in 10 for Republicans. Roughly 2 in 10 trust neither party on core issues.

Read about the election results  >

Six programs that answer voters

Our strategic advice

• Lead every message with prices.
• Deliver two early wins. Pass at least two tangible, nameable measures in the first 100 days of the new Congress.
• Pair oversight with relief, so accountability work never looks like a substitute for affordability work.
• Plan around the veto. Favor bipartisan proposals, must-pass bills and state action that can show results before 2028.

 

BUTTON / CALL TO ACTION Explore the programs   Link: /midterms-2026/programs