What voters should know about the 2026 midterm elections and the fight for congress
Georgia races draw attention
CBS News rates the contest between Republican Sen. Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews as a toss-up. Most voters say Graham lacks the experience needed for the Senate, though about a quarter of those who think so still support her.
Graham was named to the seat held by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. In a separate Georgia contest, CBS News projected Democrat Jon Ossoff the winner within 40 minutes of polls closing; he was defending his seat against Republican Rep. Mike Collins.
Presidential influence on House votes
About six in 10 voters say President Trump is a factor in their House vote. Among Republicans, however, support is less centered on the president than it was in 2018, when most Republican voters said their ballots were meant to support him.
Most Black voters are backing Ossoff, who is on pace to receive roughly the same share as in his 2021 runoff victory. Most White voters support Collins, although the results, if they hold, would represent a strong showing for a Democrat among White voters in Georgia.
Economic pressure shapes priorities
Roughly three-quarters of voters are at least dissatisfied with the country’s direction. More voters are angry about how things are going than in 2024, while economic anxiety persists and Democratic voters are particularly likely to express anger.
Voters across parties cite concern about paying for essentials including gas, groceries and utilities. Cost of living is a major factor for voters of both parties, but it matters more to those backing Democrats; immigration enforcement matters more to Republican supporters.
Democracy and corruption concerns
Voters name the economy as their most important issue, followed by the state of democracy. Democratic voters are especially likely to prioritize democracy, and those who select it are particularly likely to consider government corruption crucial to their vote.
Roughly nine in 10 voters nationally say corruption in government is a major voting factor, about the same share as for cost of living. Voters most concerned about affording gas are also the most likely to oppose the decision to attack Iran.
Views of parties and the economy
More voters hold negative views of the economy than they did two years ago. Their assessments resemble those in the 2022 midterms, when the party in power lost seats.
About one in five people backing Democrats for the House view the Democratic Party unfavorably. Most Democratic voters are motivated by opposition to Trump.
Key points
- CBS News rates the Graham-Andrews Senate race a toss-up and projected Ossoff to win in Georgia.
- About six in 10 voters say Trump affects their House vote.
- Cost of living concerns voters across parties, while immigration enforcement matters more to Republican supporters.