# Voters say the economy drove them to the polls — and blame Trump for their troubles

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/voters-say-the-economy-drove-them-to-the-polls-and-blame-trump-for-their-troubles/
- Published: 2026-11-05T16:07:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T16:24:40+00:00
- Original publisher: CNBC (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/04/2026-midterms-trump-economy-iran-war.html
- Topics: Business, Economy, Elections, Politics

## Key points

- Economic concerns were the leading issue for midterm voters.
- Democrats made major gains in Congress and state races.
- Fewer than one in five voters said family finances had improved.

## Summary

Voters’ concerns about the economy and the cost of living helped drive a major Democratic victory in the midterm elections, reducing Republicans’ power in Washington and across the states. The result marks a reversal from 2024, when Donald Trump’s focus on economic anxiety helped him win the presidency and every swing state.

In a CNBC Voter Poll, nearly nine in ten respondents said the cost of living was a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress, and the economy ranked as the country’s most important issue. Three-quarters rated the economy poor or not so good, while 2% called it excellent; fewer than one in five said their family’s finances had improved over the previous two years.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.