The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated October 27, 2026. Election rules, candidate fields, and poll numbers change; confirm the latest details with the linked official source before you vote.
The big picture
Pew Research Center asked voters how important each issue was to their vote, and the results show a country that agrees on some priorities and divides sharply on others. The economy ranks first for every group. Beyond that, the rankings split along party lines.
That split matters for how campaigns talk. A message that motivates one party's base may do little for the other, and a race can turn on which side is more energized by its top issue. It also means national averages can hide what is happening in a single district.
Key numbers
Share of voters saying each issue is "very important" to their vote, Pew Research Center, September 28 to October 4, 2026:
| Issue | All voters |
|---|---|
| Economy | 84% |
| Future of democracy | 73% |
| Health care | 68% |
| Education | 62% |
| Immigration | 59% |
| Foreign policy | 57% |
| Energy | 54% |
| Violent crime | 52% |
| Abortion | 46% |
The wording matters. "Very important" is a stronger test than "important," and an issue can rank low on this list while still deciding a close race. Abortion, at 46%, is a good example: it is not the top issue for either party's coalition, but it can move a narrow slice of voters in specific states.
Where voters stand
The partisan breakdown is starker than the national ranking.
- Republicans ranked immigration highest among the issues tested, at 72%, followed by violent crime at 64%.
- Democrats ranked climate highest, at 66%, followed by investigations into Trump at 63%.
- Abortion was called very important by 49% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans.
Those numbers describe priorities, not positions. A voter who ranks an issue highly may support one party's approach or the other's, and the survey does not settle which policy a voter prefers. We report the ranking, not a conclusion about what it means for the outcome.
Where the parties stand
The two parties have different messages on each issue, and those messages vary by state and candidate. Rather than summarize a national platform that may not match a local race, we organize coverage by issue and link to a race where the debate is worth watching.
| Issue | The debate in 2026 | Our page | Race to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Costs, wages, taxes, and the federal budget. | Economy | Texas Senate |
| Immigration | Border enforcement, legal immigration, and the status of people already here. | Immigration | Texas Senate |
| Abortion | State bans, federal proposals, and ballot measures. | Abortion | Michigan Senate |
| Democracy | Election rules, certification, and voting access. | Democracy | Georgia Senate |
Why the ranking matters
Issue priorities do three things in a campaign. They set the subject of the debate, they determine which voters are most likely to turn out, and they tell campaigns where to spend the last weeks of the race.
A party whose top issue is shared by a large share of the electorate has an easier time building a majority. A party whose top issue is narrower has to win on turnout and persuasion. That is a structural advantage, not a guarantee, and it can change if events shift the news.
What to watch
- Whether the economy stays on top. A sudden price shock or a strong jobs report can change the salience of every other issue.
- Turnout among the most intense voters. The people who call an issue very important are the most likely to vote.
- State-level differences. Abortion and immigration rules vary by state, so the same national debate can look different in Maine and Texas.
- Late developments. A court ruling, a scandal, or a foreign crisis can reset the agenda in the final weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top issues in the 2026 midterms?
In Pew Research Center's September 28 to October 4, 2026 survey, 84% of voters called the economy very important, followed by the future of democracy at 73%, health care at 68%, education at 62%, and immigration at 59%.
Do Republicans and Democrats care about different issues?
Yes. Republicans ranked immigration (72%) and violent crime (64%) highest among the issues tested. Democrats ranked climate (66%) and investigations into Trump (63%) highest. Both coalitions put the economy near the top.
Is abortion a top issue in 2026?
It is important but not the top issue for either coalition. Pew found 46% of all voters called it very important, including 49% of Democrats and 43% of Republicans.
How do these issues affect specific races?
They shape what candidates talk about and which voters turn out. Our Senate hub links to the races where each issue is most visible, and our voting hub explains how to check your own ballot.
Where does the survey data come from?
Pew Research Center fielded the survey from September 28 to October 4, 2026. We report the topline numbers and the partisan breakdown. We do not adjust or average them.
Sources
- Pew Research Center — issue priorities survey, September 28 to October 4, 2026. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Associated Press — issue reporting. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- NPR — issue reporting. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Cook Political Report — race ratings and analysis. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- Vote.gov — registration and ballot information. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Last updated October 27, 2026. Survey numbers are from Pew Research Center; the report's methodology is flagged above for a final check before publication.