Washington, D.C. — A majority of Americans believe the U.S. economy is worsening, according to a new Economist/YouGov survey released this week as inflation pressures and consumer concerns continue affecting public sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The poll found that 59% of respondents said the economy is getting worse, while only 15% said conditions are improving. Another 20% said the economy remains about the same, and 6% were unsure.
Americans also expressed concerns about their personal finances. More than one-third of respondents said their family is financially worse off than one year ago, while 45% reported staying roughly in the same position. Only 14% said they were better off financially.
Economic concerns have intensified following new inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing prices rose 0.6% between March and April, pushing annual inflation to 3.8%, the highest level since mid-2023. Energy prices continued climbing amid instability tied to the Iran conflict and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, unemployment remained relatively stable at 4.3% in April.
The survey also showed Democrats holding a slight advantage on generic congressional ballot questions, though many voters remained undecided or said they would not vote. Republicans currently maintain narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress heading into the midterm election cycle.
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