Rising Costs Weigh on Midterm Voters

Rising living costs are a central concern for voters ahead of the November 2026 midterms, with households facing pressure from housing, food, energy, health care and insurance costs amid inflation and slower job growth. Homeownership expenses are also shaping votes: a Hometap survey found 63% of homeowners feel at least moderate financial stress from owning a home, 77% say a candidate’s cost-cutting platform would affect their vote, and 71% expect their costs to rise regardless of the election’s outcome. Property taxes ranked as homeowners’ leading home-related voting issue, while utility costs have risen sharply and are a significant source of stress. Voters interviewed in Georgia described stretching household budgets and supporting relatives, illustrating how affordability concerns cross political lines; analysts say economic unease could influence competitive races.