Democrats Gain Lead on Cost of Living in New Poll

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,215 U.S. adults shows that 36% of voters prefer the Democratic Party approach to the cost of living, compared to 28% for the Republican Party. This 8-point gap is the largest Democratic advantage on the issue since October 2025. The shift comes as inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target and gasoline prices reach record highs, driven by a war launched by President Donald Trump against Iran in February and a blockade of oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

Public disapproval of President Trump's handling of the cost of living has reached 70% among American adults. While Trump maintains that no peace talks are scheduled to resolve tensions with Iran, the economic fallout has become a central pillar for Democratic midterm campaigns. Candidates such as Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico are using television ads highlighting grocery prices to emphasize affordability.

With the entire U.S. House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats contested in November, the parties are diverging in their messaging. Democrats hold a slight edge on the general economy, while the Republican Party continues to focus its campaign on tax cuts, crime, and immigration, where it maintains a competitive advantage.