Economic Populism Put Cost of Living at Center of Democratic Wins

The report, titled “2026 Post-Election Report: How Democrats Rode Economic Populism to Landslide Victory,” draws on surveys conducted in September and October. Of swing voters who ranked the economy, jobs and living costs as their top issue, 76% said inflation or the cost of living best explained their choice. Although Democrats held a 34%-to-19% advantage over Republicans on trust to handle those concerns, 47% said they did not know which party they trusted more. Democrats also led on healthcare by 29 points and Social Security and Medicare by 23 points, but at least 40% of swing voters were unsure which party they trusted on nearly every issue tested. More than 70% said President Donald Trump did not have a solution to the cost of living; large majorities said neither party did.

In Maine, Michigan and Texas, where Democrats won Senate seats for Troy Jackson, Abdul El-Sayed and James Talarico, respectively, likely voters named the economy and living costs as their leading concerns, followed by government corruption. The report also found support for policies including higher taxes on millionaires, a $15 minimum wage, a pause on new AI data centers, requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate disasters, Medicare for All and ending military aid to Israel. Voters linked Democrats more strongly to economic populism than to centrist messages, challenging arguments from some party leaders and consultants that candidates should move toward the center.

The findings also suggest Republican campaign themes struggled to match voters’ priorities. Majorities said Trump had not fulfilled promises including lowering gasoline prices below $2, ending wars and inflation, halving electricity costs, eliminating veteran homelessness and capping credit-card interest rates. A majority, 61%, said claims that the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax cuts helped working families were false; 54% of voters, including 61% of independents, said wealthy people and large corporations benefited most. The law was the second-largest concern among Trump administration policies surveyed, behind the Iran War. The report said attacks focused on socialism, immigration and transgender people in sports were out of step with voters’ demand for more discussion of food and fuel prices, healthcare costs and corruption.

Data for Progress executive director Ryan O’Donnell said the results showed that the Bernie Sanders economic playbook had become mainstream among Democrats. He also cautioned that voters’ rejection of Trump and Republicans on affordability did not mean they were convinced Democrats had a solution. After the election, Sanders urged the new Democratic congressional majorities to represent working families and backed Medicare for All, citing a poll that found “well over 60%” support it. Progressives are also pressing for action on a federal wealth tax and the Iran War. Sen. Chris Van Hollen called for commitments to a “bold kitchen table agenda,” while Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Democrats must deliver on affordability and corruption or “call his bluff.”