Shoppers navigate the pathways of Santee Alley in Los Angeles on Tuesday. ROBERT GAUTHIER VIA GETTY IMAGES
People across the United States say they are facing rising costs for food, rent and gas as renewed tariffs take effect and energy prices spike amid the war 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 said. "I find food, stuff for the house, anything I buy costs more now than a few years back. The tariffs are making things cost more."
Ahead of the critical 2026 midterms, voters are worried about the cost of living and the economy, polls show.
