Exit polling shows electorate still frustrated with prices

Exit polling shows electorate still frustrated with prices

A wave of exit polls from the midterms had a common theme: Americans remain frustrated with inflation, and blamed President Trump and Republicans for persistently high prices.

© Stephanie Scarbrough, Associated Press

Two years after Trump and the GOP rode Americans’ frustrations over inflation to unified control of government, Democrats flipped the switch on Tuesday, snatching control of both chambers of Congress after campaigning on affordability.

Nearly 9 in 10 voters said the cost of living was either a “crucial” or “major” factor in who they voted for, based on NBC News exit polling. Three-fourths of voters also told NBC News the country’s economy is “not so good” or “poor.”

Trump promised to tackle inflation in 2024, after it hit a 40-year high two years earlier. But inflation has risen above 3.5 percent this fall, as the Iran war’s spillover effects keeps fuel prices elevated.

Exit polling shows Americans are dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of the economy. Forty-four percent of voters that CBS News surveyed said their financial situation is worse than it was two years ago, while 38 percent said it was about the same and 18 percent said it was better.

“We know that pocketbook pain and pressure was a … big driver of the turnout and the enthusiasm last night,” Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright told The Hill on Wednesday.

Seawright, a senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee, argued that the results give Democrats a chance to make a positive impact on voters’ lives in the form of legislation.

That legislation should center around issues that have “bipartisan” support from Americans, he said, including reining in Trump’s tariff authority and forcing him to wind down the Iran conflict.

“I think we have to deal with matters that impact the material well-being of everyday Americans. … Whether it’s gas, groceries [or] housing,” he said.

Welcome to The Hill’s Business & Economy newsletter , I’m Max Rego — covering the intersection of Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Key business and economic news with implications this week and beyond:

A seismic political shift occurred in Texas on Tuesday, as Democrats flipped a Senate seat and the governor’s mansion in a traditionally conservative stronghold.

Stock futures soared Wednesday morning, after Democrats’ resounding victory in the midterms.

Stocks rallied on Wednesday morning, after Democrats snatched back control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

Tech mogul Elon Musk joked about the GOP’s steep losses early Wednesday, after spending more than $442 million boosting Republicans in the midterm elections.

Branch out with more stories from the day:

Polls saw the Democratic wave. Here’s why they missed the tsunami

The polls had a decent night Tuesday in predicting Democratic wins, but fell short of projecting the blue tsunami that ultimately swept larger-than-expected Democratic majorities into power in the House and Senate.

Business and economic news we’ve flagged from other outlets:

Crude oil prices fall below $90 a barrel as Vance blames GOP election defeat on Iran war ( CNBC )

‘AI earthquake’: Democrats eye a Silicon Valley reckoning ( Politico )

How Democrats coalesced around the economy to pull off a stunning victory ( Wall Street Journal )

President Trump said Wednesday he is not considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but predicted the Pentagon chief would be “very popular” if he filled Sen. Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) seat. Read more

Outgoing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) rejected a special session aimed at undercutting incoming Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms (D). Read more

Opinions related to business and economic issues submitted to The Hill:

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