US voters sharply focused on prices as 2026 midterms approach

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, voters are sharply focused on rising everyday costs, a concern poised to shape the political landscape for both Republicans and Democrats.

The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll reveals that Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike are closely monitoring inflation, highlighting deep concerns about further price hikes.

According to the poll, price increases and inflation top the list of concerns among registered voters (15%), followed by government corruption (12%) and the economy and jobs (11%). Illegal immigration (10%) and healthcare (9%) complete the top five priorities.

"This really showed an electorate that's frustrated with the direction of the country, but they're also not really convinced by either party's alternative yet," pollster Mike Noble told The Center Square.

The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights from March 2-5, 2026. The poll sample included 2,659 respondents, comprised of 952 Republicans, 934 Democrats, and 773 Independents, of which 330 are True Independents, which Noble Predictive refers to as independents who, when asked if they leaned toward one of the major parties, chose neither. It is among the most comprehensive tracking polls in the country.

Noble said that independents, who could prove decisive in the midterms, are even more frustrated.

"The true independents are far more negative on the direction of the country or Trump's job approval," he said. "But they're also not consolidating behind Democrats either, which is really interesting, because normally, when they sour, they'll kind of consolidate around the other team."

Noble said Democrats have yet to find their way after the 2024 presidential election defeat of former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Still, Noble emphasized that regardless of party affiliation, voters remain fixated on their financial well-being.

"Cost of living just still dominates," he told The Center Square. "Inflation is still the top issue."

Since polling began in 2024, the cost of living has consistently ranked as the top issue in The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll.

On the campaign trail in 2024, Trump told Americans he would rescue the economy and lower prices. Prices have continued to increase. Inflation is below the pandemic-era price increases in 2022, when inflation hit its highest level in decades. Still, many things are more expensive than they used to be, from grocery staples to health insurance, automobiles and electronics, according to federal data.

Gas prices, which had declined after Trump’s return to the White House, have surged in recent weeks. The spike is linked to an undeclared war in Iran that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for about 20% of global oil. Since fighting erupted on Feb. 28, few ships have navigated the narrow waterway, sending energy markets into turmoil.

According to the American Automobile Association, the national average for gasoline is now $3.72 per gallon – up nearly 80 cents from a month ago. Diesel prices have also climbed, averaging just under $5 per gallon, $1.34 higher than last month.

The poll’s margin of error is +/-1.9%.