CBS News poll finds Democrats maintain House advantage amid concern about prices

Here are 10 things to know about the 2026 midterm elections, in no particular order, based on what voters are telling us today. Our CBS News House model estimate shows the Democrats retain their edge for a narrow majority of seats and their lead in national vote preference. The advantage is driven by opposition to the Trump administration's policies and a Republican base that is less likely to turnout. So with that, here are 10 things to know about the midterms, in no particular order, based on what voters are telling us today. We've heard a lot about which numbers define the U.S. economy, especially in the last week amid a sea of them: GDP, jobs, stocks, mortgage rates.

Yet, when Americans are asked what they use to gauge the economy, almost all say the same thing: Prices. This has been the case since the pandemic, and today it is central to the midterms because most voters feel President Trump's policies are making food and grocery prices go up. Most voters think the Iran war is driving up gas prices. Most voters continue to feel the administration hasn't focused enough on lowering costs. Democrats continue to draw the votes of people who say prices have been difficult or a hardship. Republicans are less likely to say they'll definitely turn out