A recent Fox News poll highlights widespread economic pessimism among U.S. voters, which is shaping the political landscape ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections [1]. The survey finds that 73% of voters continue to rate the economy negatively, a figure that has remained consistent for at least two years [1]. Additionally, 60% of respondents rate their personal financial situation negatively, and 70% believe the economy is worsening—a 15-point increase from 55% in April of the previous year, matching a record high [1].
The poll underscores significant partisan divides in economic perceptions. Republicans are three times more likely than Democrats to rate the economy positively, and four times as likely to say conditions are improving. However, even among Republicans, more than half report that both the overall economy (56%) and their personal finances (52%) are bad [1]. Republican pollster Daron Shaw notes that polarization is so entrenched that it is difficult to envision a scenario where Democrats would be convinced that President Trump's policies are effective, regardless of actual economic conditions [1].
When evaluating President Trump's economic policies, 56% of voters say they are hurting the economy, while only 28% believe they are helping. Among Republicans, 57% think Trump's policies are beneficial, with this sentiment rising to 70% among MAGA Republicans but dropping to 30% among non-MAGA Republicans [1].
Economic issues dominate voter concerns, with 43% citing inflation (26%) and the economy generally (17%) as the most important issues facing the country. Other issues, such as political leadership/corruption (13%), the war with Iran (11%), political divisions (9%), and immigration (8%), rank significantly lower [1]. Majorities of voters identify prices for groceries (62%), gas (60%), healthcare (55%), and housing (52%) as 'major' problems for their families. Notably, the share calling gas prices a 'major' problem has nearly doubled to 60% since September 2025, with 89% saying gas costs are a major or minor problem [1].
Democrats are more likely to cite inflation/economy (41%) and political leadership/corruption (22%) as top concerns, while Republicans prioritize inflation/economy (42%), immigration/border security (14%), and the Iran war (14%) [1].
CONCLUSION
The Fox News poll indicates that economic pessimism is widespread and intensifying, with inflation and high prices for essentials weighing heavily on voters. These negative perceptions present significant challenges for the GOP and President Trump ahead of the 2026 midterms, as most voters believe current policies are hurting the economy. The entrenched partisan divide suggests that economic sentiment will remain a central issue in the upcoming election.