Poll: Dems Lead on Economy

With just two weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, a new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds that Democrats have a growing lead over Republicans on economic issues.

The survey finds that Americans are more likely to trust Democrats (37%) than Republicans (28%) on the economy (D+9). These views have shifted significantly both over the past few months and since the last midterm elections: In April 2026, Democrats and Republicans ran about even on the economy (R+1), while in October 2022, Republicans had a significant edge over Democrats on the economy (R+11). 

Democrats are also more trusted on the cost of living (38% Democrats, 24% Republicans) and inflation (37%, 23%).

This comes as Americans express widespread dissatisfaction with the U.S. economy, with 75% describing the nation’s economy as poor or not so good and 25% describing it as excellent or good. In addition, a plurality of Americans (48%) say they are not as well off financially as they were when President Donald Trump became president in January 2025 (15% better off, 36% about the same).

The poll, conducted October 9-13, also finds that 59% of Americans would rather see the next Congress controlled by Democrats, to act as a check on Trump compared to 35% who prefer the next Congress be controlled by Republicans, to support Trump’s agenda.