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 1,002 registered voters nationwide about the connection between America’s fiscal outlook and how affordable our economy is.
91%
of voters are concerned that the debt is increasing inflation and the price of goods and services
89%
of voters are concerned that the debt's effect on interest rates is increasing personal borrowing costs
86%
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
96%
of voters are likely to support a candidate that has a clear plan to address the debt
72%
of voters want candidates to talk more about the national debt and its impact on the cost of living
73%
of voters would consider supporting a candidate from a different political party, if that candidate had a clear plan to address the debt
“The United States has recklessly doubled its national debt past $40 trillion in less than a decade, and Americans are deeply concerned about the implications on affordability,” said Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation. “Voters understand that rising debt is driving up interest rates and inflation, adding to their cost-of-living while also slowing wage growth. With the midterm elections approaching, voters are making it clear that they want candidates with a decisive plan to address our unsustainable budget and debt.”