2LT International News

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Preliminary results from the AP Voter Poll show that economic concerns were front and center for voters casting ballots in the November 4 midterm elections in the U.S.

The survey — which included more than 17,000 voters across New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City — indicated that many Americans feel weighed down by high prices and fewer job options, leaving them uneasy about where the economy is headed.

These worries persist even though a year has passed since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, promising to bring down inflation and spark rapid economic growth. While the stock market has climbed, elevated prices and a slowing job market remain everyday realities for many families. A government shutdown that began in October has added another layer of uncertainty, deepening public anxiety.

Trump has frequently shifted attention to other priorities, such as ramping up immigration enforcement and deploying federal officers and National Guard troops to tackle crime in cities. Yet few voters saw these as the most urgent problems facing their communities. Instead, frustration about the broader economy shaped attitudes in many of the off-year elections.

The sense of discontent was evident in New Jersey and Virginia, where more than half of voters said they felt either “angry” or “dissatisfied” about the direction of the country. The poll also highlighted how local economic pressures differ by region. In New Jersey, most voters pointed to property taxes as a significant burden. New Yorkers were most worried about housing costs. And in Virginia, many said they had been affected by recent federal spending cuts.

Even so, a majority of voters said their own household finances were at least stable. In New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, around six in ten said their financial situation was “holding steady.” But far fewer felt they were “getting ahead,” and roughly one-quarter believed they were “falling behind.” This suggests that although households may be managing, they see little opportunity for upward movement.

Economic issues shaped the election choices in meaningful ways. In Virginia’s gubernatorial race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, about half of voters said the economy was the most critical issue facing the state, well ahead of health care, education, immigration, or crime. Spanberger ultimately won the contest.

In New Jersey’s governor’s race, voters had to decide between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill. About one-third cited either taxes or the economy as their top issue. Health care ranked next, while immigration and crime trailed far behind. Sherrill won convincingly here.

Economic pressure was also at the top of voters’ minds in New York City, where Democrat Zohran Mamdani ran against Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa for mayor. A little more than half named the cost of living — especially steep rents and income inequality — as their biggest concern. Crime ranked second, but by a much smaller margin. Mamdani won here to become the first Muslim mayor of the city.

Across the states polled, a heightened sense of national frustration was clear. Many voters have not been reassured by Trump’s return to office so far. In California, where residents voted on a proposal to redraw congressional districts, about half said they were “angry” about the country’s direction, and another sizable share described themselves as dissatisfied. Similar sentiments were widespread in Virginia and New Jersey as well.

The 2025 AP Voter Poll was conducted by SSRS from October 22 to November 4, and included representative samples of registered voters in California (4,490), New Jersey (4,244), New York City (4,304), and Virginia (4,215).