Republican and Democratic voters rate economy as top voting issue in midterms
% of registered voters who say each of the following issues are very important to their vote in the 2026 congressional elections
Note: Based on registered voters.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Republican and Democratic voters rate economy as top voting issue in midterms
% of registered voters who say each of the following issues are very important to their vote in the 2026 congressional elections
| Topic | All RVs | Republican candidate supporters | Democratic candidate supporters |
|---|---|---|---|
| The economy | 84 | 82 | 88 |
| The future of democracy | 73 | 69 | 85 |
| Healthcare | 68 | 53 | 82 |
| Education | 62 | 48 | 74 |
| Immigration | 59 | 72 | 53 |
| Foreign policy | 57 | 56 | 64 |
| Energy policy | 54 | 48 | 62 |
| Violent crime | 52 | 64 | 37 |
| Abortion | 46 | 43 | 49 |
| Gun policy | 45 | 54 | 40 |
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 44 | 34 | 54 |
| Size and scope of the federal government | 43 | 57 | 35 |
| Environment and climate policy | 41 | 15 | 66 |
| Investigations into Trump and his administration | 36 | 7 | 63 |
| Issues around race and ethnicity | 36 | 18 | 52 |
| Policies related to gay, lesbian or transgender people | 23 | 14 | 35 |
Note: Based on registered voters.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
