Real voters reveal what could decide the 2026 midterms

( NewsNation ) — With Election Day about a month away, voters from Texas and Alabama told NewsNation economic pressure, distrust of politicians, national security and even artificial intelligence are influencing how they view the 2026 midterm elections .

Texas independent voter Sandi Hebley said AI-generated political advertising has become a new concern as Republican Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico in a competitive Senate race.

“I’d rather hear from the actual people than something that some committee somewhere made up,” Hebley said.

The Texas contest is among the nation’s most competitive Senate races. Recent polling has shown Paxton and Talarico separated by only a few points, with some surveys giving Talarico a narrow advantage.

NewsNation reported Sept. 30 that both campaigns are also courting crucial Hispanic and Black voters.

NewsNation reported both campaigns are also courting crucial Hispanic and Black voters.

Democratic voter says party must ‘step up its game’ to unite voters

Democratic voter Andrea Cervantes said her party needs to rethink its message.

“I think that Democrats need to step up their game,” she told NewsNation, arguing that Democrats should focus less on progressive politics and more on the issues Americans face every day.

Cervantes also called for greater transparency and said neither party is immune from corruption. She warned that Democrats currently lack unity, pointing to the appeal of identifying as an independent among voters who do not feel firmly represented by either major party.

The economy emerged as common ground among the panelists. Gallup’s long-running Most Important Problem survey tracks Americans’ concerns about issues including the economy and government, along with which party voters believe can better address their top concern.

Hebley said rising costs are likely to follow voters into the voting booth.

“I think a lot of folks are struggling,” she said, citing the pressure of paying rent or a mortgage while also buying gas to get to work.

NewsNation has reported that inflation, housing and fuel costs remain significant political concerns.

From pocketbook pain to national security, voters weigh midterm stakes

Republican voter Ajua Mason acknowledged higher prices but argued that voters should consider national security alongside their finances. She defended President Donald Trump’s policies toward Iran, saying she is willing to accept short-term financial pain if the administration ultimately makes the country safer.

Those competing priorities could help determine control of Congress. As of Oct. 1, NewsNation election partner Decision Desk HQ gave Democrats a 75% chance of winning the House, while Democrats held a 54% chance of capturing the Senate, making control of both chambers highly competitive.

With voters preparing to make that choice, the panel illustrated why the outcome remains uncertain. Concerns ranged from AI-generated campaign material and distrust of political parties to grocery bills and foreign policy, underscoring how candidates are competing for voters whose priorities do not necessarily fall neatly along party lines.