Nine Midterm Voters Reveal Priorities Ahead of 2026 Election

Midterm Election Approaches

The United States is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November. The vote will determine control of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and 36 state governorships. The outcome is expected to influence the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Voter Panel Insights

The Guardian’s 2026 midterm voter panel interviewed nine voters from across the political spectrum. The panel highlighted several key issues:

• Cost of living: Justin Daniels, a 45-year-old economics student in Detroit, expressed frustration that wages have not kept pace with rising expenses, noting that his grandfather’s eight-hour union job could support a large family while his own work leaves him struggling.
• Labor shortages: Yajaira Martinez, 43, in Pharr, Texas, described a lack of workers in construction, leading to delayed housing projects and higher interest rates.
• Immigration enforcement: Scott Akridge, 60, from Marietta, Georgia, identified ICE policies as having a significant negative impact on people in the country.
• Foreign policy: Caleb Davis, 22, in Greenville, South Carolina, highlighted Trump’s actions in Greenland and the Iran war as major achievements of the administration.
• Social policy: Sally Rasmussen, 62, from Medford, Wisconsin, criticized Trump’s approach to immigrant communities and broader social groups, warning of long-term recovery challenges.

Remaining Uncertainties

The panel does not provide a comprehensive view of all voter concerns, and the data represent a small, non-representative sample. The Guardian will return to the panel before the final votes are cast to update the national mood.