US Voters Blame Trump as Economy Drives Midterm Concerns

Economic dissatisfaction and concerns about American democracy emerged as the leading forces shaping the 2026 US midterm elections on November 3, as voters expressed frustration with President Donald Trump's economic policies, rising living costs and government corruption. Election-day polling also showed substantial opposition to US military action against Iran, while early projections indicated significant developments in congressional and gubernatorial races.

According to the BBC's Voter Poll, conducted by SSRS for a consortium of news organizations, approximately 79,000 voters participated in the survey. The economy ranked first among national concerns at 39%, followed by democracy at 32% and immigration at 14%.

The economic figures highlighted widespread dissatisfaction. According to the survey, 75% of respondents described the national economy as not particularly good or poor, while 25% considered it excellent or good. Additionally, 44% said their household finances had deteriorated over the previous two years, compared with 18% who reported improvement.

Inflation also affected household finances. The BBC survey found that 79% of voters experienced moderate or severe financial hardship because of rising prices during the previous year. Meanwhile, 59% expressed serious concern about fuel costs and 58% about food and grocery prices.

According to NBC News' exit poll, 87% of voters were very or somewhat concerned about gasoline and diesel prices, while 88% expressed similar concerns about groceries. Utilities and healthcare also featured prominently, attracting concern from 86% and 85% of respondents, respectively.

Trump's economic performance received particularly negative assessments. The BBC and NBC News polls found that 65% of voters believed his policies had worsened economic conditions. Another 62% attributed unusually high prices to his administration, while 38% pointed to factors outside his control.

Political dissatisfaction extended beyond economic issues. According to the BBC survey, 43% said opposing Trump was one reason for their midterm vote, while 41% said he was not a factor and 16% cited support for him. NBC News similarly identified the election as an opportunity for voters to express dissatisfaction with the president's performance.

NBC News reported that only 38% of voters approved of Trump's job performance, compared with 45% during his first midterm election in 2018. The survey also found that 57% believed his immigration enforcement measures had gone too far, while 59% disapproved of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Government corruption was another major concern. According to the BBC and NBC News surveys, 90% of voters considered corruption a crucial or major factor in their electoral decisions. Meanwhile, 62% believed the United States had made the wrong decision to take military action against Iran, with 74% describing the conflict as an important factor in their congressional vote.

The political landscape also showed dissatisfaction with both major parties. NBC News found that 59% of voters held unfavorable views of the Republican Party, while 54% viewed the Democratic Party unfavorably. Additionally, three-quarters disapproved of Congress's performance.

Economic pressure was also evident in individual experiences documented by The Washington Post. In Indianola, Iowa, Drew Brazie reported paying $35 more to fill his truck's gas tank than he had earlier in the year. He also faced rising construction expenses, including a subcontractor's proposed 23% increase because of higher steel prices.

Early election projections brought significant gubernatorial developments. According to ABC News, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms was projected to defeat Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia, potentially becoming the first Black woman governor in the United States.

Republican Byron Donalds was also projected to become Florida's first Black governor. In Arkansas, Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was projected to win reelection against Democrat Fred Love, while Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont was projected to defeat Republican challenger Ryan Fazio.

In Georgia's Senate race, Republican Representative Mike Collins conceded defeat. He also praised the president during his concession remarks.

"I want you to know something else too, it's been an honor, an honor and a privilege to serve under the leadership of the best president in my lifetime. That is President Donald J. Trump," said Collins.

The projected victories and preliminary polling results placed the balance of power in Congress and the effectiveness of Trump's remaining presidential agenda among the central stakes of the 2026 midterm elections.