2026 midterms: Voters talk as midterm vote centers on what’s best for family

Fuel prices weigh on Alaska voters

Josh York, a retired Army major who works in health care administration in Anchorage, said high fuel costs have made travel difficult for some Alaskans. Prices in remote parts of the state can reach $24 a gallon; York said he recently paid $8.99 for gas in rural Alaska.

York blamed the higher prices on the Iran war, which experts say has slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war, a fifth of the world’s oil and gas passed through the strait, according to the article.

York has voted for Trump but said he disapproves of the president’s handling of the economy, the war and the country’s direction. He told ABC News’ Martha Raddatz that he must consider what is best for his family and children.

War and prices shape races

The economy is a major concern ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, when voters in a handful of key states could have an outsized effect on control of Congress. Trump defended the war against Iran, saying it would end soon and prices would fall afterward.

Alaska’s Senate contest is considered a toss-up, despite Trump winning the state by 13 points in 2024. Republican Sen. Sullivan, who supports Trump and the war, acknowledged the conflict was driving prices higher and said it should end soon.

Rising diesel costs have also hurt farmers who depend on the fuel for transport. Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed on a deal to allow Russian diesel into world markets; many Republican lawmakers said the move would benefit Russia.

Republicans face political concerns

Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who is leaving his seat, warned that simply backing Trump could hurt his party. He expressed concern about Republican prospects in Nebraska and Kansas, where Democrats hope to win Senate races unexpectedly.

Bacon said lawmakers must show they act independently and represent their districts. He also criticized Trump for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and abandoning an ally. In the Northeast, independent voters have considerable influence. Republican Sen. Susan Collins has said she voted against Trump nine times on the Iran war, and supporters cited her bipartisan reputation.

Voters weigh Collins and Jackson

Mary Anne Lynch, a lifelong Democrat, said Collins is the Senate’s most bipartisan member and said she plans to vote for her in November. Lynch’s support reflects Collins’ appeal beyond her own party.

Garrand said the main reason to vote for Troy Jackson was to ensure Democrats control the Senate. Garrand also expressed deep disappointment in a woman’s conduct, but the article does not clearly identify who that criticism referred to.