Independent Voters Show Growing Economic Pessimism Ahead of Midterm Elections

Warnings of Economic Downturn: A Deep Dive into Voter Sentiments

As the midterm elections approach, a recent survey from Jobs for the Future (JFF) highlights a troubling sentiment among independent voters regarding the state of the economy. Conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, this survey sheds light on the financial concerns that many voters are grappling with as they head to the ballot box.

The survey reveals that a significant 57% of voters believe the economy is on the wrong track, a figure that marks a worrying increase since JFF's last assessment in April 2025, when 54% felt similarly. Crucially, only 20% of independent voters think the economy is progressing positively. These statistics illustrate a growing sense of economic disillusionment especially among independents, contrasted with a slight optimism among party-loyal voters.

Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF, makes it clear that the economic security of voters is paramount. She asserts that independents express a greater need for candidates to address pressing economic issues and to present actionable solutions. Flynn points out, “In an increasingly volatile economy, quality jobs and affordable pathways to obtain them are kitchen-table issues.” This sentiment indicates that candidates who focus on these priorities may have a better chance of gaining the trust of voters.

The survey, which questioned over 2,000 registered voters, revealed that 53% of voters, in general, feel economically secure. However, this number drops significantly for independents, where only 42% feel safe in their financial position compared to 50% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans.

Rural voters also lag behind, with only 44% expressing confidence in their economic status, compared to 62% of those living in urban areas. Additionally, the survey highlighted that independent women in the labor force are particularly skeptical about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their careers, with just 21% expressing optimism regarding AI's influence on job prospects.

Concerns regarding job security permeate the responses, with only 63% of currently employed voters believing they could find a similar job should they lose their current position. Strikingly, only 28% of respondents strongly agree that they could secure a new job with equivalent or better pay.

Furthermore, financial barriers to education and skill development are evident, as less than half of the respondents feel prepared to invest in education and training programs. Only 43% of voters believe they could afford tuition for a degree, while 48% feel capable of funding a non-degree training program.

When voters were asked to prioritize issues, financial security, job quality, and economic mobility emerged as the most critical concerns. An overwhelming 80% of voters urge that making education and training accessible and aligned with career paths should be top priorities for elected officials. Moreover, policies aimed at reducing prices (84%), making healthcare more affordable (83%), and improving job quality (81%) are viewed as essential by most voters, illustrating a shared concern that transcends party lines.

However, a disparity exists between these expectations and the current political landscape. Less than half of the voters are satisfied with the attention that elected officials devote to improving job quality (47%), aiding access to these jobs (45%), and ensuring educational affordability (45%). This disconnect signals a strong desire for candidates to focus on these pressing needs to gain voter support, with 69% of respondents indicating a greater likelihood to support candidates advocating for job quality improvements.

Strong bipartisan support also emerged for policies that connect education and training with quality job opportunities, such as expanding school-business partnerships (supported by 80% of Democrats, 77% of Republicans, and 74% of independents) and providing funding for apprenticeship programs (82% support from Democrats, 75% from Republicans, and 70% from independents). Additionally, there is unified support for allowing government-funded financial aid to be utilized for short-term skills training and assisting workers displaced by AI.

JFF’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, Karishma Merchant, eloquently summarizes the urgent need for change: “Voters across the political spectrum are asking for the same thing—a fair shot at a good job and an affordable way to get the required skills.” Those who emerge victorious in the upcoming elections may find themselves with both a mandate and an obligation to address these systemic needs.

For a comprehensive analysis of the survey results and JFF’s policy recommendations, visit Jobs for the Future.

About Jobs for the Future

Jobs for the Future is dedicated to transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to create economic opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities alike. For more information, visit www.jff.org.