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Economy, healthcare, Iran war top voters’ concerns ahead of midterms: Gallup
Developed over time first seen 2 weeks ago
The economy, healthcare and the situation in Iran are the leading concerns among US registered voters weighing their choices for the 2026 midterm elections, according to a Gallup survey conducted from 1 to 19 October. Half said the economy was extremely important to their vote for Congress, the same proportion said so about healthcare, and 47% said so about Iran. Income and wealth distribution followed at 44%, gas prices at 42%, immigration at 40% and abortion at 38%. Gallup asked voters to rate each of 11 issues, so these figures show how strongly people value them, rather than which single issue they would choose above all others.
The priorities vary by party. Among Democrats, 68% rated healthcare extremely important and 65% said the same of income and wealth distribution; among Republicans, immigration at 44% and crime at 43% ranked highest. Independents’ leading concerns mirrored the overall results: the economy, healthcare and Iran. Gallup found that concern about the economy was much higher among Democrats than in its 2022 midterm survey, while it was lower among Republicans. The findings describe voters’ stated priorities ahead of polling day; they do not establish how those voters will cast their ballots.
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In short
- Half of registered voters rated the economy and healthcare extremely important to their midterm vote.
- The situation in Iran followed closely, at 47%.
- Democrats and Republicans placed different levels of importance on most issues.
How this story developed
- 2 weeks ago The economy, healthcare and the situation in Iran are the leading concerns among US registered voters weighing their choices for the 2026 midterm elections, according to a Gallup survey conducted from 1 to 19 October.
Explained simply
US midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term. Voters choose members of Congress, the federal legislature made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate; these lawmakers shape national laws and spending.
The survey asked registered voters how important 11 issues were to their congressional vote, allowing people to rate several issues highly. Their answers varied by party, and describe stated priorities rather than predicting how people will vote.
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Americas Business Economy Elections Government Middle East Politics World