Midterm Voters Punish Republicans Over Trump’s Economic Policies, AP Poll Shows
AP voter poll reveals most Americans hold Trump’s policies responsible for inflation and punished Republicans in the 2026 midterms.
NASA/John Kraus/NASA
In the 2026 midterm elections, voters across the nation delivered a stinging rebuke to Republicans, largely due to dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s economic policies, according to a comprehensive AP Voter Poll. The survey of roughly 100,000 voters showed that inflation and rising living costs were decisive factors driving Democratic victories in House, Senate, and gubernatorial races.
Voters Hold Trump’s Policies Responsible for Inflation
About two-thirds of voters said that President Trump’s own policies had fueled inflation, a sharp increase compared to only about half of voters holding former President Joe Biden responsible during the 2022 midterms, as reported by AP VoteCast. The public widely attributed rising prices to Trump’s tariffs on foreign imports and the spike in energy costs following his decision to launch a war with Iran in February. Despite Trump’s repeated claims that prices were falling, his message blaming his predecessor did not resonate with voters.
Economic Concerns Drive Voter Decisions
The cost of living emerged as a critical issue in the elections, with about 9 in 10 voters stating it was a “crucial” or “major” factor influencing their vote for Congress. Among those voters, approximately 6 in 10 supported Democratic candidates in their local House races. Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past 12 months, outpacing the 3% inflation rate at the start of Trump’s second term. Although the economy is technically growing—reflected in a 10% rise in the S&P 500 so far this year and an unemployment rate of 4.2%—many voters feel the benefits are not reaching them.
AI and Wealth Inequality Add to Voter Anxiety
Artificial intelligence, despite being a major growth driver under Trump’s administration, is viewed with skepticism by voters. Approximately 6 in 10 believe AI will harm society, fearing job displacement and financial instability. Only about one-quarter considered AI a “crucial” factor in their voting decision. Meanwhile, concerns over wealth inequality persist, with about 7 in 10 voters nationwide saying the economy favors the wealthy, and only about 3 in 10 feeling it is fair to everyday Americans. Even among high-income Californians, a majority think the economy is tilted toward the rich.
Healthcare Costs and Working-Class Struggles Highlighted
Voters expressed strong support for increased government involvement to reduce healthcare costs, with about 6 in 10 backing a bigger governmental role. Most voters believe Trump’s policies have worsened healthcare expenses. Economic experiences varied by income: roughly 6 in 10 voters earning less than $50,000 said they were worse off financially than two years ago. Higher-income voters, while feeling better financially, were more concerned about the state of American democracy, overwhelmingly supporting Democrats.
The 2026 midterm elections demonstrated a clear message from voters dissatisfied with President Trump’s economic stewardship. While the economy shows signs of growth and innovation, particularly in AI, the costs of living and wealth disparities weighed heavily on the electorate’s minds, influencing their decisions at the ballot box.
