Internal GOP polling shows unmistakable 'downward trajectory' — handing Dems an opening

Republicans are alarmed by internal polling and focus groups showing deep voter concerns about a key issue, and they're worried that time is running out to correct the problem.

GOP lawmakers and insiders are increasingly anxious that inflation could wallop them in the 2026 midterms and want President Donald Trump to take more aggressive action on the issue, which is the top voter concern, reported Axios.

"We don't want Democrats making campaign ads about $8 Lucky Charms and grandma unable to get prescription drugs because of shortages from the tariffs," one GOP operative involved in drawing up the party's midterm plans told Axios. "Voters care a ton, and Republicans need to talk more about fighting this."

The conservative GrayHouse polling firm has handed out data showing 25 percent of voters see inflation as the most important issue, which is more than double the next-ranked concern, government corruption, and Senate Republicans have seen polling that shows voters don't believe they're focused enough on rising costs and product shortages.

"If we don't address some of [the economic issues], I think it will create headwinds going into a cycle where you already expect headwinds with a midterm after a presidential election and the change of party in the White House," said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who announced his retirement in June.

A recent Economist/YouGov survey also found costs were the single most important issue to voters, including 2024 Trump supporters, and only 34 percent of all voters said they approved of the president's handling of inflation, and more than two-thirds of all voters thought the problem would be the same or worse in six months.

"The president's approval rating has been remarkably resilient on handling of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy," said GOP pollster Robert Blizzard. "But since he took office, it continues a downward trajectory on handling inflation. This continued fatigue is providing an opening for Democrats to criticize the president on his signature issue of the economy."

The White House didn't directly acknowledge those concerns, but instead pointed to cost decreases in some sectors, such as lower gasoline prices this Labor Day weekend.

"President Trump pledged to end Joe Biden's inflation crisis, and the administration's supply-side policies have delivered: Inflation is trending towards an annualized rate not seen in years while the prices of gas, eggs, and other household essentials have declined," said White House spokesperson Kush Desai.