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 1,001 registered voters nationwide about the connection between America’s fiscal outlook and how affordable our economy is.
92%
of voters are concerned that the debt is increasing inflation and the price of goods and services
88%
of voters are concerned that the debt's effect on interest rates is increasing personal borrowing costs
85%
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
94%
of voters are likely to support a candidate that has a clear plan to address the debt
70%
of voters want candidates to talk more about the national debt and its impact on the cost of living
74%
of voters would consider supporting a candidate from a different political party, if that candidate had a clear plan to address the debt
“Inflation just hit a three-year high, and voters understand that the rising debt and interest rates are adding to their daily affordability challenges,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation. “As we approach the midterm elections, voters are calling for leaders to put forward solutions to our $39 trillion debt, which will help address America’s affordability crisis and put our country on a stronger, more sustainable path.”