People shop at a Costco store in the Staten Island borough of New York City, US, Jan 16, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]
Americans say they are facing rising costs for food, clothes, rent and gas as renewed tariffs take effect and gas prices rise amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, making economic concerns a key factor ahead of this fall's midterm elections, polls show.
Riche Jackson, 60, watches every cent he spends and admits that he chooses where to shop based on price. He is worried that tariffs are making things more expensive.
"Everything is more expensive. I have diabetes, so I have to choose what I eat carefully," he told China Daily. "I do have insurance though, so that covers my medical. I find food, stuff for the house, anything I buy costs more now than a few years back. I think that the tariffs are making things cost more. So many stores are expensive, I go to the ones that charge less to make sure I stay in my budget."
Ahead of the critical 2026 midterms, a crucial test for any president, held two years into a four-year term, voters are worried about the cost of living and the economy, polls show.
