Poll: Voters See Connection Between Affordability and the National Debt
As voters head to the polls in 2026, new survey data shows a growing majority of Americans are concerned that the $39 trillion national debt is driving up their personal cost of living. Democratic firm Global Strategy Group and Republican firm North Star Opinion Research jointly conducted the poll, gathering opinions from 1,000 registered voters nationwide about the connection between America’s fiscal outlook and how affordable our economy is.
93%
of voters are concerned that the debt is increasing inflation and the price of goods and services
90%
of voters are concerned that the debt's effect on interest rates is increasing personal borrowing costs
87%
of voters say a candidate having a plan to address the debt is a deciding factor in whether they would support the candidate in November
95%
of voters are likely to support a candidate that has a clear plan to address the debt
75%
of voters want candidates to talk more about the national debt and its impact on the cost of living
75%
of voters would consider supporting a candidate from a different political party, if that candidate had a clear plan to address the debt
"The rising national debt has effectively become a kitchen table issue for Americans because it contributes to rising costs across the economy, from grocery bills to car payments," said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation. "Voters across party lines are looking for leadership and solutions on the debt, because they understand it's a critical issue for the nation's economy and their own personal finances. Fiscal confidence is the lowest it's been in almost two years, but voters are ready to support candidates who have a plan to put our nation on a stronger, more sustainable path."