Harvard Poll Shows Tight Midterm Race, Economic Concerns Top Issues
Harvard Harris Poll reveals tight midterm race, economic concerns dominate voter priorities.
2 min read
The Harvard Harris Poll, conducted monthly, continues to show a closely contested race in the upcoming midterm elections, with Democratic and Republican support nearly equal just over a month before the November voting. Among all registered voters, the parties are split at 50-50 when asked if they would be more likely to vote for a Democrat or Republican candidate for Congress. Democrats hold a slight 51-49 percent lead among likely voters.
Voter Commitment and Party Alignment
Fifty percent of voters say their minds are already made up about who to vote for, and two-thirds say they expect to vote a straight-party ticket. Fifty-nine percent of those supporting Democrats say they have definitely made up their minds, and 58 percent of Republicans say the same. Just 33 percent of independent-leaning voters say their minds are made up, with 26 percent leaning in one direction and 24 percent undecided.
Economic Concerns Lead Voter Priorities
When asked about the most important issues, economic concerns rank highest, with 45 percent of voters citing inflation and affordability as their top priority. Other key issues include restoring basic American values of merit and competence and crime. On a broader scale, economic concerns remain the top priority, followed by health care and immigration.
Trust in Leadership and Policy Preferences
President Trump and Republicans narrowly score higher on who voters trust more to handle the economy, with 51 percent of voters expressing trust in the president, including 15 percent of Democrats. Independent voters preferred Democrats by a 54-46 percent margin. Voters aligned with Republican policies on taxes and spending, with 58 percent preferring tax decreases and 64 percent favoring decreased government spending.
Interest Rates and Trump’s Stimulus Plan
Regarding interest rates, 56 percent of voters want to see rate cuts, with 18 percent favoring rate increases and 26 percent keeping rates the same. President Trump’s plan to issue $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans maintain both the House and Senate won 57 percent approval overall, although 69 percent of voters believe the proposal is primarily intended to encourage support for Republicans.
Source: Breitbart
