By Fatma Younis
Voter frustration with the economy extended well beyond gasoline prices and helped propel Democrats to projected control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, according to ABC News Voter Polls conducted on and before Election Day.
Poll Shows Widespread Economic Discontent
Three-quarters of House voters nationwide described the economy as “not good” or “poor,” the poll found. About 79% said inflation had caused their families severe or moderate hardship over the past year.
Inflation and Gas Prices Top Concerns
On Election Day, the national average gas price stood at $4.14 per gallon, up 38% since the outbreak of the Iran war earlier in the year, while diesel averaged $6.28. Nearly 6 in 10 voters said they were very concerned about gasoline or diesel prices, and the same share expressed frustration with grocery and food costs.
Healthcare and Utility Costs Also Weigh
Healthcare and utility bills added to the strain. Fifty-nine percent of voters were very concerned about healthcare costs, and 53% about utilities. Average monthly Affordable Care Act benchmark premiums rose from $497 in 2025 to $625 in 2026 after enhanced tax credits expired.
Voters Trust Democrats More on Healthcare
The poll also showed that over half of House voters believed the Trump administration’s policies had worsened their healthcare costs, and by a 20-point margin they trusted Democrats more on healthcare. About 60% wanted the federal government to play a larger role in helping Americans obtain coverage.
Democratic Gains in Senate and House
Democratic Senate candidates flipped Republican strongholds such as South Carolina and Texas. As of Wednesday, Democrats were projected to win 54 Senate seats, with competitive races still uncalled in Alaska and Mississippi. ABC News projected Democrats would also win the House majority.
