2026 midterms: affordability, turnout, and party strategy

Economic anxiety is intensifying as grocery prices dominate White House polling, inflation remains 3.4%, July employment fell by 23,000, and tariffs threaten consumer prices and Republican constituencies. With Republicans defending a slim congressional majority, the White House is planning Trump's travel to at least 17 states, making direct presidential campaigning a central party strategy. The election is increasingly a referendum on Trump's economic management, immigration policy, executive conduct, and control of Congress.