Voter frustration with the economy extended beyond soaring gas prices to encompass a range of issues including inflation, healthcare, and utility bills, according to ABC News Voter Polls conducted on and before Election Day. The economic woes appeared to contribute to a significant shift in congressional control.
According to the Voter Poll, three-quarters of House voters nationally described the economy as not good or poor. Inflation was a primary concern, with approximately 79% of House voters stating that it had caused them and their families a severe or moderate hardship over the previous year. Only 21% reported no hardship.
The national average gas price stood at $4.14 a gallon on Election Day, an increase of 38% since the outbreak of the Iran war, according to AAA data. About 6 in 10 House voters expressed significant concern about gasoline or diesel prices. Similarly, 59% of voters reported being very concerned about grocery and food prices.
Concerns about household budgets also extended to healthcare and utility costs. Fifty-nine percent of voters said they were very concerned about healthcare expenses, and 53% expressed the same level of concern regarding utility bills. These figures come as average monthly benchmark premiums for those insured through the Affordable Care Act saw an increase. Approximately six in 10 voters indicated they wanted the federal government to play a larger role in ensuring Americans have access to healthcare. Additionally, some midterm campaigns highlighted concerns about artificial intelligence data centers potentially straining local water systems and increasing residential utility bills due to high demand.
The Voter Polls indicated that economic dissatisfaction played a role in the electoral outcomes, with Democrats projected to achieve a majority in both the House and Senate.