From Fox News · Dana Blanton · · 3m
Fox News Poll: Cost of living pushes voters toward Democrats
A new Fox News survey shows economic hardship is reshaping the political landscape, with Democrats gaining ground on inflation and Republicans struggling with voter confidence.
In brief
A new Fox News survey shows economic hardship is reshaping the political landscape, with Democrats gaining ground on inflation and Republicans struggling with voter confidence. Voters squeezed by everyday costs are turning to Democrats to handle the economy, while Trump's low approval rating and negative favorability…
Three-quarters of voters see economy in crisis
Roughly 75% of voters have rated economic conditions negatively for the past year, and more than three times as many say they're falling behind financially as getting ahead.
Gas and healthcare costs hit record hardship levels
61% say gas prices are a major problem, up from 48% two years ago. Healthcare costs jumped to 52% from 44%, while 62% cite grocery prices and 54% cite housing as major hardships.
Democrats win on inflation by wide margin
By a wide margin, Democrats are considered the party better able to handle inflation at a time when cost of living and the economy are voters' top concerns.
Tariffs seen as hurting the economy
64% say tariffs hurt the U.S. economy, up from 57% last summer. Most Democrats and independents agree, while Republican views are mixed with 41% saying tariffs help.
Nearly two-thirds blame Trump for economic decline
63% say the Trump administration has made the economy worse, including a quarter of Republicans. This widespread dissatisfaction is driving voter frustration across party lines.
Pessimism about future reaches near-record high
68% now say life will be worse for the next generation, up from 53% two years ago. This reflects deepening concerns about economic opportunity and quality of life.
Anger at government hits record levels
68% are unhappy with how government is working, with 33% saying they're angry. Anger is driven by 56% of Democrats and 36% of independents versus just 9% of Republicans.
Democrats lead generic ballot by 7 points
51% would back the Democratic candidate in their House district versus 44% for Republicans. The 7-point edge is just outside the margin of error, with Democrats' advantage consistent since January.
Trump's approval rating trails predecessors
Trump's 39% job approval is his lowest since April and trails Biden's 43% at this point in 2022. His 24% approval on inflation matches a previous low, and his 24-point net negative favorability is unchanged since July.
Trump endorsement now hurts more than helps
51% say a Trump endorsement makes them less likely to support a candidate, up from a 15-point margin four years ago. Only 25% say it makes them more likely to support someone.
Majority backs taxing wealthy to help programs
65% support raising taxes on the wealthy to expand government programs, and 63% support it to redistribute wealth. Yet 57% say capitalism doesn't give people a fair shot, up from 42% in 2019.
Both parties viewed unfavorably by voters
The Democratic Party is underwater by 11 points with 44% favorable and 55% unfavorable. The Republican Party is worse at 41% favorable and 58% unfavorable, showing broad voter dissatisfaction.
Cost of living dominates voter concerns
When asked unprompted about the most important issue facing the country, 34% cite cost of living and 14% cite the economy or jobs. Immigration and Trump rank far behind at 8% and 7% respectively.
What to remember
Voters squeezed by everyday costs are turning to Democrats to handle the economy, while Trump's low approval rating and negative favorability are becoming a liability for Republican candidates.
