The diploma outvoted the paycheck

American voters with and without four-year degrees split sharply in Tuesday’s midterm election, while the poorest and richest households voted almost identically. The article argues that education has become a stronger indicator of party preference than income, with the growing divide reflecting a broader political realignment.

Voters with degrees backed Democrats 63% to 35%, while those without degrees favoured Republicans 50% to 48%, a 30-point gap and the widest in six midterm elections. The gap widened from about even in 2006 and 2010 to 22 points in 2022 and 24 points in the 2024 House vote. By comparison, households earning under $50,000 and over $100,000 were just four points apart on Tuesday; the article says the education divide has grown across four midterms under presidents of both parties.