Economy, tariffs, and inflation
Inflation and the downstream effects of federal tariff policy remain the top concern for voters heading into the 2026 midterm cycle. Independents and swing voters in Delaware, as across the country, are closely watching economic conditions, employment trends, and the cost of living as key factors in their electoral decisions.
How should the government address rising prices and tariff-driven inflation?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
USPollingData — https://uspollingdata.com/issues
The economy and tariffs, immigration, abortion rights, gun control, healthcare costs, and climate policy rank as the defining issues of the 2026 midterm cycle. Economic conditions — particularly the downstream effects of Trump's 2025 tariffs and lingering inflation — are the top concern for independent and swing voters.
YouGov / Statista — https://www.statista.com/statistics/1362236/most-important-voter-issues-us
A survey conducted in June 2026 found that the most important issue for adults in the United States was inflation and prices, pointed to by percent of respondents. The second most important issue was employment and the economy.
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
Americans are now almost evenly split over which party they most agree with on economic policies: 37% say the Democratic Party, while 36% say the Republican Party.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Repeal all tariffs immediately and pursue free trade to lower consumer prices as quickly as possible.
- Roll back most tariffs, invest in social safety nets, and expand price controls on essential goods.
- Keep existing tariffs under review and use targeted relief programs to help households most affected by inflation.
- Maintain current tariffs to protect American industries while working to reduce inflation through spending cuts.
- Expand tariffs broadly to prioritize domestic manufacturing, even if consumer prices remain elevated short-term.