Affordability, AI and Iran: Americans on the key issues guiding their midterm votes

With control of the Republican-held House and Senate at stake, along with 36 governorships, voters head to the polls on 3 November, and many say the cost of living is foremost on their minds. The Guardian spoke with readers across the country about what is driving their choices. A New York Times/Siena poll taken this month puts Donald Trump's approval at 36%, and inflation stands at 3.7%.

Several respondents described budgets stretched by fuel, food and prescription drugs. Kathryn Warren, a retired school employee on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, said her medication runs $7,000 monthly before insurance and that gas costs eat into her Social Security. A Tennessee counselor said her migraine drug costs nearly $2,000 a month and her insurer will cover just five months. Vicki Stein of Michigan and George, a Houston graduate, both blamed tariffs for higher prices.

Foreign policy also weighs heavily. Joel Young, a retired litigator in Albuquerque, said any candidate's stance on further support for Israel is his deciding test, while a Louisiana machine operator who backed Trump in 2024 wants the Iran war ended. Others, including retired Georgia teacher Dave Neps, worry that an AI-driven market bubble could end in a crash.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Guardian’s reporting. Read the full story at The Guardian →