The economy and the state of democracy were the leading issues for voters in the 2026 US midterm elections, according to an Associated Press exit poll released as the first polling places closed. The economy was the top concern for 39% of respondents, followed by democracy at 32%, immigration at 14% and healthcare at 8%.
The poll also found widespread dissatisfaction with the president: about 60% of voters said they disapproved of Donald Trump’s handling of the presidency. Roughly 70% said Congress was doing “not enough” to provide checks and balances on presidential power, and most respondents disapproved of Congress’s handling of its job.
The elections will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s term and shape his ability to advance his agenda. Voters cast ballots in competitive races across the country, including congressional contests in Colorado and Senate and gubernatorial races in Ohio and Texas.
In Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, Republican Gabe Evans faced Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel. The district, which includes Denver’s northern outskirts and rural areas, is considered competitive. Evans campaigned on crime, the cost of living and border security, while Rutinel focused on immigration reform, affordability and corruption in Washington.
Voters interviewed at polling places raised concerns that echoed the exit poll’s findings, including living costs and the balance of political power. In New Hampshire, independent voter Rebecca Connors said she wanted elected officials willing to challenge Trump and cited the cost of living as a reason for voting. In Ohio, voters discussed the state’s competitive Senate and governor’s races, while Texas voters considered contests that could test the state’s long-standing Republican dominance.
The results were not yet clear as polls began closing. The vote will determine the balance of power in Congress and provide a measure of public sentiment midway through Trump’s second term.
Sources: The Guardian World.