US midterms 2026: What polls reveal about Democratic, Republican voters

What the report says

US voters are heading into the November 2026 midterm elections with the economy and cost of living at the center of attention, according to Al Jazeera’s roundup of recent polling. The report says Democrats and Republicans largely agree that inflation and household expenses matter, but they differ sharply on which other issues should drive their vote, including immigration, healthcare, crime, and the future of democracy.

Citing surveys from Pew Research Center, NBC News, KFF, Fox News, Reuters/Ipsos and others, the article says most respondents view the economy as a top issue. It also notes that dissatisfaction with personal finances is widespread, with NBC’s latest poll showing more Americans unhappy than satisfied with their financial situation. The piece adds that Democrats were more likely than Republicans to describe the economy as poor and to say rising prices have strained their household budgets.

The article also highlights partisan differences in attitudes toward President Donald Trump and his economic record. Democratic respondents were overwhelmingly negative about his policies, while Republicans were more divided. At the same time, Republican voters were more likely to prioritize immigration and violent crime, while Democratic voters placed greater emphasis on healthcare and democratic institutions.

Al Jazeera says the polling points to a competitive election environment, with Democrats showing somewhat stronger enthusiasm and several surveys indicating a modest preference among voters for Democratic control of Congress. The report stresses that these polls reflect voting sentiment ahead of Election Day and do not determine individual race outcomes.