From grocery bills to the ballot box: Why affordability matters in US midterms

For American voters, the cost of living is becoming more than an economic concern — it is a political test. From filling up cars to paying medical bills, rising expenses are shaping the debate ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.

A KFF Health Tracking Poll found that healthcare costs and gasoline prices are tied as leading economic concerns. About 25 per cent of voters said they were very worried about affording healthcare, while an equal proportion expressed serious concerns about fuel and transportation costs.

Another 35 per cent were somewhat worried about healthcare expenses, while 34 per cent shared similar concerns about fuel and transport.

The strain comes amid a sharp rise in fuel prices. According to AAA data cited by AFP, average US gasoline prices had climbed more than 45 per cent since the conflict involving Iran began, reaching $4.37 a gallon. Grocery prices were 2.2 per cent higher in August than a year earlier.

Why affordability matters in US midterms

With Republicans controlling Congress, Democrats are using household financial pressures to challenge the Trump administration’s economic record. In Ohio, Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown has put rising costs at the centre of his campaign against Republican Jon Husted.

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Public opinion data suggest Democrats have an advantage on the issue. In the KFF poll, 42 per cent of voters said they trusted Democrats more than Republicans to handle healthcare costs, compared with 22 per cent who favoured Republicans. On the broader cost of living, Democrats led 39 per cent to 25 per cent.

Among independent voters, Democrats held a 38 per cent to 9 per cent advantage on healthcare costs and a 35 per cent to 11 per cent lead on the cost of living, although many independents said they trusted neither party.

Healthcare adds to the affordability debate

Healthcare remains a particularly sensitive issue because unexpected medical bills can quickly strain household budgets. KFF found that 89 per cent of Democrats and 77 per cent of Republicans believe the US healthcare system needs a complete overhaul or major changes.

Support for a national health plan, commonly known as Medicare-for-All, reached 66 per cent of the public, the highest level since KFF began tracking the issue in 2016. However, support varied depending on how potential costs and benefits were presented to respondents.

What is at stake?

The November 3 elections will decide all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats. While immigration, abortion and other issues remain part of the campaign, affordability offers voters a direct way to assess the country’s economic direction.

For candidates, the challenge is to turn promises into credible answers on healthcare, fuel, food and housing. For voters, the question is whether their incomes can keep pace with everyday expenses.

As the campaign enters its final stretch, the price of living may prove just as important as party politics in shaping the battle for Congress.