As the focus shifts towards the 2028 presidential election, voters are prioritizing economic concerns and how future leaders will handle policies, according to a new Fox News/NORC study. Improving economic conditions emerged as the most important issue for the country over the next five years, with six in 10 voters reporting they are holding steady financially.
When asked what incoming officials should address first in 2027, three in 10 voters want action on grocery costs, followed by gas prices (20%) and healthcare and prescription drug costs (20%). Housing costs were a concern for slightly fewer voters, while about 10% want attention on utility costs.
Voters are divided on the nation's future outlook, with financial sentiment playing a key role. Those feeling financially secure are more optimistic, while a majority of those falling behind financially believe the country's best days are in the past. Beyond economic issues, Democrats are more focused on access to affordable healthcare, while Republicans cite protecting individuals from government overreach as a top concern.
The study also explored voter perspectives on the continuation of Donald Trump's policies. Most Republicans want the next president to follow Trump's policies, though support for emulating his style varies. Among MAGA Republicans, nearly 40% want a successor to emulate both Trump's policies and style, while about half prefer his policies alone. Non-MAGA Republicans show less enthusiasm for mirroring his style, with 45% favoring his policies. Independents, however, overwhelmingly desire a break from both Trump's policies and style, with six in 10 expressing this view.
Regarding the impact of artificial intelligence, voter opinions are split. About 40% believe AI will be harmful to the U.S. economy over the next decade, while 30% expect benefits. A similar proportion anticipates AI negatively affecting the environment and the arts and entertainment industry.
Voters also expressed differing views on the need for government reform. Half of voters desire substantial changes in how the country is run. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to favor significant upheaval, with half of democratic socialists advocating for complete change, compared to about 10% of MAGA Republicans. Overall, 40% of voters believe Congress requires substantial reform, with three-quarters of MAGA Republicans and half of non-MAGA Republicans agreeing.
Across party lines, there is support for term limits for Congress and Supreme Court justices. Democrats favor abolishing the Electoral College, though Republicans and independents are less supportive. A majority of Republicans back limiting mail-in voting to those physically unable to vote in person, with MAGA Republicans showing stronger support than non-MAGA Republicans. Most Democrats oppose such limitations.
Concerns about the impact of AI data centers are prevalent, with 60% of voters extremely or very concerned about their effect on utility prices. About half are worried about data centers' impact on pollution, land development, and local health. Democrats express greater concern than Republicans regarding these issues, regardless of proximity to data centers.
The poll, conducted by NORC Civic Health & Elections Project from October 26 to November 3, 2026, surveyed 113,020 registered voters.