[Rising Living Costs Dominate US Voter Concerns Ahead of Midterms]
- The cost of living, including gas and medicine, is a major concern for US voters
- 84 percent of early voters view the economy as the top issue for the midterm elections
Updated 48 sec ago
October 30, 2026 10:46
FORT LAUDERDALE: Escalating expenses for gas, medicine and other essential living costs are preoccupying Americans as they prepare to cast their ballots ahead of next week’s midterm elections.
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that 84 percent of early voters identified the economy as their primary issue for this election cycle.
One health care worker, Kyler Daugherty, summed up the sentiment while refilling his gas tank in Fort Lauderdale: “It’s absurd. Everyday costs have surged from groceries to fuel,” he told AFP.
Fuel costs have skyrocketed globally since the United States and Israel initiated strikes on Iran in February. US gasoline prices increased 9.1 percent in September alone, posing a significant challenge for Floridians who rely heavily on automobiles for transportation.
“It impacts transportation, supply chains, and consumer budgets,” noted Matthew Moore, a 63-year-old attorney who cast an early ballot. “My tickets home for Christmas have doubled since last year,” he added.
Political analysts argue that the economic pressure stems from specific executive actions taken this term. William Galston of the Brookings Institution highlighted two key decisions: launching the war on Iran and imposing tariffs on trade partners. “The president holds the authority to lift these tariffs and conclude the war,” Galston told AFP.
For some voters, however, the damage is already done. “My vote was cast based on my feelings about how they’ve handled our financial stewardship,” said Michael Childs, 62.
The White House counters that Trump’s policies are revitalizing the U.S. economy and making life more affordable for Americans.
However, Symeria Hudson, CEO of United Way Miami, warns of a looming crisis. She noted that nearly 41 percent of 132 million U.S. households fall below the ALICE threshold, meaning their income does not cover basic expenses like food and housing. “We urge policymakers to address these economic data points,” she said.
Many voters are struggling to cut spending. Daugherty described cutting back on necessary medications because he cannot afford them, while Moore recounted how flight costs for family trips have tripled.
