Cost of Living Top Issue in 2026 Midterms

The cost of living is easily the single most important factor in deciding whom to vote for today.

That's according to 50% of Republicans, 48% of Democrats and 48% of independents surveyed by the Reuters/Ipsos poll Sept. 11-14.. Immigration was the second most important issue (20%) to Republicans, but only 7% of Democrats and 9% of independents agreed. Among Democratic voters, the second most important issue was democratic values (39%) and 18% of independents.

Asked if they approved of the way President Trump is handling his job, unsurprisingly 83% of Republicans said they did, but only 5% of Democrats and 18% if independents agreed.

If the voters who participated in the Reuters/Opsos polls were selecting the next presidential candidate of their party, Republicans would pick J.D. Vance (69%) and Democrats would pick Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (66%).

When it comes to the way President Trump is handling the economy 62% of Republicans said they strongly approve or strongly approve. Unsurprisingly, only 6% of Democrats were favorable and 18% of of independents approved.