OpenCampaign

Economy

Economy and inflation perception

Alabamians, like most Americans, report poor perceptions of the economy heading into 2026. Inflation, tariff-driven price increases, and stagnant wages are top concerns. The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and national debt debates also affect Alabama households and businesses, with affordability remaining the defining issue entering the midterm cycle.

What should be the top priority for improving Alabama's economy and reducing the cost of living?

How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue

No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Business and Consumers.

28% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).

  1. Liberal5%
  2. Lean liberal22%
  3. Moderate30%
  4. Lean conservative28%
  5. Conservative15%

Where do you stand?

What should be the top priority for improving Alabama's economy and reducing the cost of living?

How important is this to you?

Sources

CBS News senior White House correspondent Ed O'Keefe — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsdBO83yv1Q
have a really poor perception of the economy. It's why you've seen the president spend so much time this year blaming the Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell and former President Biden for economic policies that he says are hampering the attempt to drive down inflation.
Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research — https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/policy-brief/us-economy-2026-what-watch
Interest rate decisions, the national debt, tariffs, worries about a stock market bubble and the low-hire, low-fire labor market are among the big economic issues that will take center stage in 2026. Affordability will continue to be a top concern for consumers leading up to the November midterm elections.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Raise wages, expand social safety nets, and tax the wealthy to address affordability gaps.
  2. Invest in public infrastructure and workforce training to grow the middle class.
  3. Balance tax cuts with targeted spending to stimulate growth while managing the state debt.
  4. Cut government spending and reduce regulation to let the private sector drive growth.
  5. Eliminate state income taxes and slash regulation to maximize business investment.

Tariffs and Alabama manufacturing

Alabama's significant auto manufacturing sector, including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai plants, faces uncertainty from new federal tariffs on imported parts and finished vehicles. Tariff-driven cost increases are affecting both manufacturers and consumers, and the state's economic health is closely tied to how trade policy evolves in 2026.

How should Alabama's government respond to federal tariffs affecting its manufacturing sector?

How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue

No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Business and Consumers.

28% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).

  1. Liberal5%
  2. Lean liberal22%
  3. Moderate30%
  4. Lean conservative28%
  5. Conservative15%

Where do you stand?

How should Alabama's government respond to federal tariffs affecting its manufacturing sector?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research — https://siepr.stanford.edu/publications/policy-brief/us-economy-2026-what-watch
Interest rate decisions, the national debt, tariffs, worries about a stock market bubble and the low-hire, low-fire labor market are among the big economic issues that will take center stage in 2026.
Quorum policy analysis — https://www.quorum.us/blog/2026-policy-trends
Healthcare costs, tariff-driven price increases, housing shortages, and energy prices all feed into the same voter anxiety.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Lobby Congress to fully repeal industrial tariffs and champion free trade agreements.
  2. Seek targeted federal exemptions for Alabama's auto manufacturers to protect jobs.
  3. Monitor the situation and engage federal officials while supporting affected workers locally.
  4. Support tariffs as leverage to bring more manufacturing jobs back to Alabama long-term.
  5. Fully back all tariffs as essential to protecting American industry from foreign competition.