According to the latest Fox News poll, cost-of-living concerns have become the dominant economic issue for voters just weeks before the midterm elections, with six in ten identifying it as their top worry, far surpassing other issues such as government spending (15%), jobs and income inequality (7% each), tariffs (6%), and taxes (5%) [1]. The poll indicates that 74% of voters rate the economy negatively, and 53% expect it to worsen next year, while 66% are dissatisfied with the direction of the country [1]. Only 18% of respondents say their family is better off compared to two years ago, and among independents, 52% feel worse off and 70% anticipate further economic decline [1].
Inflation remains a major concern, with 55% of voters saying it is "not at all" under control, up from 45% earlier in the year. President Donald Trump’s approval rating on inflation has dropped to a new low of 22%, compared to 36% last summer and 29% for former President Joe Biden before the 2022 midterms [1]. Disapproval of Trump’s handling of inflation stands at 77%, with similarly high disapproval rates for his management of the economy (70%), tariffs (69%), and foreign policy (64%) [1]. His overall job approval has fallen to 36%, the lowest recorded in a Fox News survey for either term, down from 39% in May. The decline is most pronounced among younger voters, those with household incomes below $50,000, non-White voters, and those without a college degree [1].
Republican party loyalty has weakened, with approval among Republicans at 76%, down 3 points since last month, 12 points since September 2025, and 16 points since March 2025 [1]. The poll suggests that voters are inclined to punish the party in power, as 70% say their vote will send a message to Trump, with nearly twice as many expressing opposition (47%) as support (25%) [1].
If the election were held today, 54% of voters would back the Democratic candidate in their House district, while 45% would support the Republican, a wider lead for Democrats than last month’s 51%-44%. Among those certain to vote, the Democratic candidate leads by 52%-46% [1]. Party identification is nearly even, with 43% self-identifying as Democrats and 41% as Republicans, and both parties showing similar certainty about voting (62% for Democrats, 64% for Republicans). However, more Democrats (61%) than Republicans (52%) report being extremely interested in the election [1]. Party loyalty remains strong, with 98% of Democrats and 94% of Republicans supporting their respective candidates [1].
CONCLUSION
The Fox News poll highlights widespread economic dissatisfaction and cost-of-living concerns, which are weighing heavily on the GOP ahead of the midterms. President Trump’s approval ratings have reached historic lows, particularly on inflation, and Democratic candidates are currently favored in House races. These trends suggest a challenging electoral environment for Republicans, driven by voter anxiety over economic conditions.