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 $40 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.
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
82%
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
66%
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
"As they head to the polls, voters are making it clear that they want candidates to address the $40 trillion national debt — and they are even willing to look across the aisle to find leaders who will take action on our debt," said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation. "Americans understand that borrowing trillion after trillion drives up inflation and interest costs, making life less affordable for everyone. Voters are looking to support candidates with solutions to improve our fiscal health and cost of living, which will put the country on a stronger, more sustainable path."