2026 Midterm Primaries End as 50% of Voters Put Economy First
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 16
2026 Midterm Primaries End as 50% of Voters Put Economy First
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 16
Summary
Delaware’s final primary ballots closed a six-month 2026 midterm season that left both parties confronting voter anger over prices, incumbents and political establishments.
50% of voters now rank inflation, cost of living or the economy as the top issue, while only 29% of Republicans say the economy is better than a year ago, down from 72% in January.
Democrats drew much of their primary energy from the left, with progressive candidates scoring upset wins in states including Michigan and Florida, though party leaders still face questions about whether that strength helps in November.
Trump remained influential in GOP contests—helping topple figures such as John Cornyn and backing Ken Paxton—but endorsed candidates also lost key races in Minnesota, Michigan, Tennessee and Florida, signaling a weaker grip.
The season also elevated anti-incumbent sentiment and once-niche issues such as data centers, license-plate readers and AIPAC-linked spending, trends likely to shape the general election less than seven weeks away.