Polls find US voters pessimistic on economy ahead of midterms

Summary

With the midterms less than three weeks away, polls point to widespread voter discontent and economic pessimism. An exclusive Harris poll for The Guardian found that three-quarters of respondents were concerned about a recession, 61% believed the US was already in one, and 65% of independents said the economy was getting worse; the report says the country is not in a recession by its typical definition. Axios reports that three polls found nearly three-quarters rated the economy fair or poor, seven in ten said the country was out of control, and eight in ten wanted substantial change or upheaval.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 09:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that its exclusive Harris poll found widespread economic pessimism, including 61% of respondents believing the US was in a recession and 65% of independents saying the economy was getting worse.

2. Axios

   15 Oct 2026, 15:00 UTCSource ↗

   Axios reports that three polls found broad voter discontent, including nearly three-quarters rating the economy fair or poor, seven in ten saying the country was out of control, and eight in ten wanting substantial change or upheaval.