U.S. — The Pew Research Center released survey findings showing that economic issues are the top priority for U.S. registered voters considering congressional candidates. The data, collected from July 6 to 12, 2026, indicates that 29% of registered voters identified economic issues as the one issue they most want congressional candidates to discuss.

The survey of 3,554 U.S. adults included responses from 2,779 registered voters. Among this group, 15% identified cost of living or affordability as the top issue for congressional candidates to discuss. Government ethics and reform followed as a priority for 9% of registered voters.

General economy and immigration each drew support from 7% of registered voters as their top issue. Healthcare was the primary concern for 5% of those surveyed. Taxes, foreign policy, and Donald Trump each ranked as the top issue for 4% of registered voters.

Voter preference for congressional candidates showed a split along party lines. 43% of registered voters said they would back a Democratic candidate for Congress if the election were held at the time of the survey. 37% of registered voters said they would back a Republican candidate for Congress under the same conditions.

The remaining 20% of registered voters said they are not sure or would back another candidate for Congress. Views on party control of Congress varied by affiliation. 70% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said it really matters which party controls Congress in November.

Among Republicans and Republican leaners, 60% said it really matters which party controls Congress in November. Engagement levels also differed between the parties. 39% of Democrats have thought a lot about the election, compared to 22% of Republicans who have thought a lot about the election.

Another 35% of registered voters said Donald Trump is not much of a factor in their vote for Congress. Within the Democratic coalition, 81% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view their vote for Congress as a vote against Donald Trump.

Views on the use of military force were split, with 36% of adults saying they agree with the Republican Party on policies related to the use of military force. 35% of adults say they agree with the Democratic Party on policies related to the use of military force. Foreign policy agreement stood at 36% for the Republican Party and 35% for the Democratic Party.

23% of adults say they agree with the Republican Party on policies related to artificial intelligence, while 22% say they agree with the Democratic Party on policies related to artificial intelligence.

The Pew Research Center, a think tank based in Washington, D.C., was established in 2004 and has conducted nationwide surveys since 1935, initially as the National Opinion Research Center under the University of Chicago. The center’s survey methodology has been audited and approved by the American Association for Public Opinion Research, ensuring high standards of accuracy and transparency.

The findings provide a detailed snapshot of voter priorities and partisan alignment ahead of the November elections. The data shows the centrality of economic concerns to the electorate and the varying degrees to which Donald Trump influences voting decisions across the political spectrum. The survey also reveals significant gaps in voter agreement with either major party on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.