With the November midterms looming, a fresh Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that registered voters now give Democrats a clear edge over Republicans on the cost of living, a top concern for many households. The survey, conducted August 21-24, shows 36% of respondents prefer the Democratic approach, while 28% favor the GOP's plans. The rest are either unsure or back neither party.
This marks the largest advantage Democrats have recorded on this question since Reuters/Ipsos first asked it in October, a lead that has grown steadily amid persistent inflation and the economic fallout from the Iran war. The issue has become a central battleground, and Democrats appear to be gaining traction with voters who feel the pinch of higher prices.
President Trump's handling of affordability draws broad disapproval: 70% of adults say they disapprove, while only 21% approve. Among Democrats, disapproval is nearly unanimous at 93%, with just 3% supporting his approach. Independents also lean heavily against him, with 75% disapproving and only 12% approving. Even among Republicans, a sizable minority—39%—disapprove, though 52% back his handling.
On the broader economy, the two parties are essentially tied: 35% prefer the Democratic approach, 33% the Republican. That represents a notable shift from earlier in the year when Republicans were perceived as stronger on the economy, a perception that had held since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. A separate Economist/YouGov poll also found Democrats leading on economic stewardship, with 39% saying they'd do a better job versus 32% for Republicans.
Democratic candidates have made affordability a central plank of their campaigns, a strategy that appears to be resonating. Republicans have also tried to address cost-of-living concerns, but Trump has at times dismissed the issue, calling it a hoax perpetuated by Democrats. In February, he claimed to have "won affordability" and blamed his predecessor for the economic mess, saying he "inherited a mess."
The latest inflation data show annual prices rising 3.4% in July, down slightly from 3.5% in June but still well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. That persistent inflation keeps the issue front and center for voters, and the poll suggests Democrats are capitalizing on it.
The survey included 1,215 respondents, including 951 registered voters, with a margin of error of 3 percentage points. As the midterms approach, both parties are likely to intensify their focus on the economy, with Democrats hoping to hold onto this advantage and Republicans aiming to close the gap.
