Inflation and affordability remain the dominant concerns heading into 2026—and voters don’t think Washington is paying attention.
The cost of living is the #1 issue for 26% of voters—nearly three times higher than the next-most-selected topic. It ranks first among all nearly voter groups, with millennials (34%) especially likely to cite it.
Since 2024, immigration and gun control have fallen in importance while health care and corruption have risen.
WHY IT MATTERS
As Stephen Covey said, “The main thing is the keep the main thing the main thing.” For voters, the main thing is the cost of living. If it’s not for leaders in Washington, then voters will punish them for it in 2026.
See toplines and crosstab slides by clicking the image below.
Inflation Top of Mind
- 26% of voters pick cost of living/inflation as their top issue — nearly triple the next most-selected issue.
- 57% include it among their top three — double the share selecting jobs and economic growth.
- Economic issues overall dominate the list.
- Baby boomers are the one group who place Social Security and Medicare above inflation — both directly tied to affordability.
Immigration Falls in Importance
- Since 2024, immigration has dropped sharply as a top issue, likely due to perceived improvements under the Trump administration.
- Republicans still rank immigration second, behind cost of living — but it’s a distant second.
- Independents no longer include it among their top five concerns.
Party Focus
- 38% of voters say Republicans in Congress are focused on the right things, compared to 35% for Democrats.
- Majorities say both parties are focused on the wrong things.
- Among partisans, 80% of Republicans think their own party is focused on the right things—compared to just 60% of Democrats who say the same.
- Donald Trump fairs slightly better: 40% say he’s focused on the right things. 54% the wrong things.
The Bottom Line
Voters are sending a clear message: Make affordability the centerpiece of your agenda — or risk losing them. Every other issue, from social security to health care, runs through the same concern — how to make life more affordable for ordinary Americans.