Prices top ballot issues as AP-NORC poll shows 7 in 10 say nation is off track

The Associated Press describes the midterm election as a direct referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, with voters across the country struggling with high prices and expressing anger over an unpopular war with Iran. As polls open in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, the economic mood is the defining feature of the day. The AP-NORC polling indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of the president's job performance, while only 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. Approximately seven in ten Americans say the country is heading in the wrong direction, and most of those respondents blame the president for the current high prices.

In the South Central states, the focus is intensely local. In Texas, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The state is deciding an open Senate seat and a governor's race where incumbent Greg Abbott faces challengers. The AP notes that Texas is one of the competitive governor races. In the Senate, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who received Trump's backing in the primary, faces Democrat James Talarico. The new congressional map in Texas will be used for this election, a factor that has shaped campaign strategies for months.

Voter sentiment in Raleigh, North Carolina, highlights the cost of living as the primary concern. James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian, stated that he is paying more taxes, more for healthcare, and more for everything. His experience mirrors the broader trend identified in the AP-NORC data. In North Carolina, polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. The state is holding an open Senate race after Thom Tillis retired following a clash with Trump. Former Governor Roy Cooper is competing against former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley for the seat.

The impact of tariffs is a specific talking point in several battlegrounds. In Maine, the AP reports that economic strain and tariffs have made the race between Senator Susan Collins and Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson competitive. While Maine is not in the South Central focus, the economic pressure feels similar in Texas and other states where voters are weighing the price of goods against political loyalty. In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, voter Mark Barker expressed a different sentiment, saying he has been following Trump the whole time and believes he is doing an awesome job. This divergence illustrates the complex national landscape.

Democrats are cautiously optimistic about their chances to retake control of Congress. They need a net gain of three districts in the House to reach a majority of 218 seats. Currently, Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214. In the Senate, Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take the majority from the current 53-45 split, plus two independents. The AP says one or two seats could tip either chamber. In the South Central region, the open Senate seats in Oklahoma and Louisiana, along with the incumbent races in Arkansas, are critical to this math.

The Republican money edge remains a significant obstacle for Democrats. The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. According to an AP analysis of AdImpact data, 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This includes more than $850 million in states where he won by 10 points or more. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents, suggesting a different dynamic on the ground.

Redistricting is another factor affecting the South Central states. Six states, including Texas, are using new congressional maps after mid-decade redistricting. Republicans tried to beat the typical midterm pattern where the president's party loses seats by drawing these new districts. However, the AP notes that new districts in Florida and elsewhere may not vote as drawn. In Texas, the new map has been a central point of contention, with Democrats arguing it favors Republicans, while Republicans claim it reflects demographic changes.

In Arkansas, polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The state is deciding an open governor's race and a Senate race where incumbent Tom Cotton is running for re-election. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the incumbent governor but is not running for the Senate. The combination of an open governor seat and a strong Senate incumbent creates a mixed landscape for Democrats. In Oklahoma, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The state has an open Senate seat and an open governor race, making both positions up for grabs without the advantage of name recognition from an incumbent.

Louisiana presents a unique scheduling challenge. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Tuesday elections, but some areas vote on Saturday. The state has an open Senate seat but no governor race this year. The staggered voting and the open seat make Louisiana a key state in the Senate fight. The AP-NORC data shows that most voters blame the president for high prices, a sentiment that could be particularly potent in states where the cost of living has risen sharply since 2024.

The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. This logistical step is crucial in states where mail voting is prevalent. In Texas, while mail voting is an option, the in-person turnout is expected to be high given the competitive nature of the governor's and Senate races. The AP reports that more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.