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.

People shop at a Costco store in the Staten Island borough of New York City, US, Jan 16, 2026. [Photo/Agencies]

July polls show the depth of Americans’ economic pessimism.