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The most pressing midterm issues for rural voters
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Among them, 59% say they're absolutely certain to vote in the midterms.
Key facts
- The fine print: The KFF/AP poll surveyed 2,241 registered voters living in rural areas nationwide from Aug. 12-24, 2026, online and by phone
- The AP/KFF poll asked 2,241 registered voters living in rural areas how important it was for 2026 candidates to talk about each of eight issues
- Three-quarters rated the cost of living in their area as either "fair" or "poor," up 25 percentage points from 2017.Data: KFF/AP Rural Voters Survey; Chart: Herb ScribnerReality check: Rural voters
- According to the poll, 40% trust Republicans more to handle the cost of living, compared with 25% who trust Democrats and 27% who trust neither party
Summary
Data: KFF/AP Rural Voters Survey; Chart: Herb ScribnerCost of living and health care costs top the list of issues rural voters want 2026 midterm candidates to address, according to a new AP/KFF poll. The AP/KFF poll asked 2,241 registered voters living in rural areas how important it was for 2026 candidates to talk about each of eight issues. Cost of living concernsZoom in: Affordability concerns extend across a wide range of everyday expenses.57% of rural voters cited an economic concern, including rising costs, jobs, wages and housing affordability, when asked about the biggest issue facing their local community.67% said they were at least somewhat worried about affording gas or transportation, while 66% said the same about health care and 60% about food and groceries. According to the poll, 40% trust Republicans more to handle the cost of living, compared with 25% who trust Democrats and 27% who trust neither party.