World
US Midterms 2026: Trump, Cost Of Living, Immigration — Three Issues Shaping The Elections
By: News18 World
Published: 24 October 2026
Photo / Illustration: Haldwani Times News Desk
<p>US President Donald Trump’s falling popularity, rising living costs and a fierce immigration debate are emerging as three defining issues ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, which will decide whether Republicans retain control of Congress or Democrats gain greater power to challenge his administration.</p>
<p>Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. Democrats need to gain at least four seats in each chamber to take control, with the outcome likely to depend on a handful of closely contested races.</p>
<p>The election is also becoming a test of public opinion on Trump’s leadership, his economic record and his administration’s policies.</p>
<p>Trump has placed himself at the centre of the Republican campaign, urging voters to treat the midterms as a judgement on his presidency. His approval rating has fallen to 31%, its lowest level, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.</p>
<p>Democrats have accused him of failing to deliver on promises to reduce prices and end wars. They say winning control of either chamber would allow them to investigate his administration and challenge its policies.</p>
<p>Trump’s rallies across key states are aimed at energising his supporters, but his prominent role also gives opponents a clear target as they seek to mobilise voters dissatisfied with his leadership.</p>
<p>Economic pressures remain central to the campaign. Half of registered voters surveyed in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll identified the cost of living as the most important factor in their voting decision.</p>
<p>Healthcare, fuel, food and housing costs were among the main concerns voters wanted lawmakers to address.</p>
<p>Fuel prices have risen sharply since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in February. The average US petrol price reached $4.28 a gallon, up $1.20 from a year earlier, while diesel averaged $6.32, according to AAA.</p>
<p>Grocery prices rose 1.8% over the year, while house prices increased 2.1%, adding to pressure on household budgets.</p>
<p>Republicans point to their tax-cut legislation as a major achievement. Democrats, however, have criticised cuts to health programmes and pledged to make affordability a central part of their agenda.</p>
<p>Immigration is another major dividing line. Preliminary government data showed a 95% drop in migrant apprehensions at the US-Mexico border compared with the previous administration, while the Department of Homeland Security said Border Patrol had made no releases during the current fiscal year.</p>
<p>However, fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents have fuelled criticism of enforcement methods. Some Democratic candidates have called for major changes to immigration agencies, while Republicans accuse their opponents of supporting weak border controls.</p>
<p>Other issues, including abortion, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and US policy towards Israel, could also shape individual races.</p>
<p>The results will determine not only the balance of power in Congress but also how much room Trump has to pursue his agenda during the final two years of his term.</p>
