Prices and tariffs drive voter anxiety as AP-NORC poll shows 7 in 10 see wrong direction

Voters across the United States are heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with the cost of living dominating their decision-making process. The election is a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, and voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. Only 35 percent of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance. An even smaller share, 25 percent, approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with most respondents blaming the president for the rise in prices.

The economic mood is palpable in key battleground states where Senate and governor races are tightly contested. In Raleigh, North Carolina, a voter named James Moore, 57, who works as a librarian, expressed frustration over the cumulative financial burden. Moore stated that he is paying more taxes, more for healthcare, and more for everything else. His sentiment reflects the broader narrative captured by the Associated Press, which highlights economic strain and tariffs as primary drivers of competitiveness in several states. The AP notes that these factors have made the Senate race in North Carolina particularly close, where Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper faces former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley.

In contrast, voters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, presented a different perspective on the economic situation. Mark Barker, a voter in that area, said that he has been following Trump closely and believes the president is doing an awesome job. Barker's view illustrates the division among independents and partisans who are weighing the current economic conditions against their expectations of presidential leadership. More than 57 million people had already voted by Monday, surpassing the early vote totals of four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests that voters are actively engaging with the economic questions before the polls close.

The Associated Press analysis of the political landscape indicates that Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to retain control of the Senate. One or two seats in either chamber could tip the balance of power. Democrats, meanwhile, are described as cautiously optimistic about their chances. The stakes for the House are high, as Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, while Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. In the Senate, Democrats require a net gain of four seats to take control, whereas Republicans can lose only two. The AP notes that Kansas, a state traditionally considered reliably Republican, has become central to the fight for Senate control due to the economic concerns of its residents.

President Trump has been actively campaigning, holding dozens of rallies in the weeks leading up to Election Day. He concluded a series of events on Sunday in Salina, Kansas, where he told supporters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." His schedule also included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Despite his active presence, many Republican candidates have kept their distance from the president, perhaps reflecting the mixed feelings among voters regarding the economy. Trump has continued to make claims about voting fraud, including assertions that noncitizens vote in large numbers. His administration has filed lawsuits in Alaska and California related to these issues, leading some Democrats to fear interference and intimidation as the Justice Department threatens to prosecute local election officials.

The financial side of the campaign has also reached record levels, with the 2026 elections likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and contributions from Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have managed to outraise their opponents. An AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024. This includes more than $850 million spent in areas where he won by 10 points or more. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized the importance of turnout, stating, "Everything depends on turnout. If we turn out our voters, we win, and that's what we've been planning for."

Democrat Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, offered a contrasting perspective on the voter mood. She stated, "The American people are angry. They want change." This sentiment aligns with the AP-NORC finding that most voters blame the president for high prices. The Associated Press notes that if Democrats win even one chamber of Congress, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who would be the first Black speaker if Democrats gain the House, has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic performance could also boost the profiles of potential 2028 presidential candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg.

The economic anxiety is not limited to federal offices, as voters also choose governors in 36 states. The Associated Press identifies Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin as key governor battlegrounds. In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson is challenging Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to succeed Brian Kemp. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo faces Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford. The AP also calls Texas, Florida, and Iowa competitive governor races. Democrats are hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades, a goal that has been elusive since Republicans took control in 2010. The outcome of these races will further shape the economic policy environment for the next two years.