Economic Concerns Dominate Voter Sentiment in 2025 Midterm Elections

Sun Dec 21 2025 03:14:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Preliminary results from the AP Voter Poll reveal that economic anxieties overshadow other issues as citizens head to the polls in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City.

As voters cast their ballots in the ongoing midterm elections, economic concerns are at the forefront of their minds, according to the latest AP Voter Poll. Nearly half of Virginians are dissatisfied with federal cuts, New Jersey residents worry about taxes, and cost-of-living issues are paramount in New York City. Voter sentiment indicates a general feeling of uncertainty, particularly regarding inflation and job prospects, impacting overall confidence in the economy under President Trump's administration.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Economic worries were the dominant concern as voters cast ballots for Tuesday’s elections, according to preliminary findings from the AP Voter Poll.

The comprehensive survey of over 17,000 voters across New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City indicates that public sentiment remains troubled by a stalling economy characterized by rising prices and diminishing job opportunities.

A year after President Donald Trump returned to the White House promising to manage inflation and spark economic growth, fears over financial stability persist. Despite a buoyant stock market, inflation levels remain high, and hiring has notably slowed. Additionally, a recent federal government shutdown has intensified economic uncertainty.

While Trump has focused on immigration issues and deploying federal resources to combat crime, these matters don’t resonate as top priorities for most voters.

Broad economic anxieties accompany significant dissatisfaction in several elections, with over half of voters in New Jersey and Virginia expressing feelings of anger or discontent with the current state of the nation.

The differing economic challenges manifest locally, with New Jersey voters identifying property taxes as a significant issue, while New York City residents point to the high cost of housing. Voters in Virginia note the impact of recent federal budget cuts.

Most voters said they aren’t getting ahead financially

A sizable number of voters report stable finances, yet many express feelings of stagnation in their economic progress. Approximately 60% of voters across New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City note their finances as 'holding steady,' but only a minority feels they are advancing financially—about one in four even describe their situation as 'falling behind.'

Virginia voters, in the midst of deciding between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, cite the economy as their leading concern, while two-thirds of New Jersey voters spotlight taxes or the economy in their electoral choices.

Dissatisfaction with direction of the country

Polling reveals a significant degree of dissatisfaction regarding the country’s direction, suggesting low confidence in President Trump’s governance. About half of California voters describe feelings of anger towards national policies, with a similar sentiment echoed in Virginia and New Jersey among 60% of respondents.

Federal cuts hit Virginia voters, while New Jersey voters worry about taxes

The economic pressures materialize distinctly among gubernatorial candidates, notably in Virginia and New Jersey, where voters express significant concern over financial stability and living costs. Over 70% of New Jersey respondents label property tax rates as a major issue, while discussions in New York City focus heavily on housing affordability.

As election day unfolds, the continuing economic discourse whether through surveys or grassroots conversations fosters a pervasive sense of discontent among voters, reflective of their hopes and anxieties about the landscape ahead.