Economy and cost of living
National polling and midterm coverage heading into 2026 place the economy, prices, and affordability as the dominant voter concern. Neither major party holds a clear advantage on economic policy in recent surveys, and states face pressure to respond to federal priorities while managing household costs, including utility rates.
How should Hawaii prioritize economic and cost-of-living concerns heading into the 2026 midterms?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
By a wide margin, voters most want candidates running for Congress to talk about economic issues – with many specifically mentioning prices and affordability.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/question/What-are-key-issues-in-the-2026-midterms
Key issues in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections include the economy and immigration, which have traditionally been strong issues for Pres. Donald Trump.
Governing — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
Elected officials are increasingly acting to rein in rising utility rates as part of a broader effort to lower the cost of living.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Expand public benefits, housing aid, and price controls to directly lower household costs
- Increase state investment in wages, childcare, and targeted relief while monitoring inflation
- Balance targeted cost relief with fiscal restraint and mixed public-private measures
- Focus on deregulation and tax relief to spur growth rather than new spending programs
- Cut taxes and spending sharply and rely on markets and tariffs to restore affordability