{
  "id": 12117001,
  "title": "The midterms will come down to the cost of everything — and who voters trust to fix it",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/the-midterms-will-come-down-to-the-cost-of-everything-and-who-voters",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T09:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/affordability-midterm-elections-inflation-gas-electricity-housing-prices-swing-states-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the midterms approach, affordability is the main issue voters are weighing when choosing candidates. In swing states, gas, electricity, and housing prices have skyrocketed, prompting candidates from both parties to propose solutions.\n\nMichigan resident Zac Owen, a brand strategist and high school football coach, frequently drives long distances to other parts of the state due to the high cost of living. He said that hearing more from candidates about affordability is crucial in his decision.\n\nThe elections are just a month away, and candidates have touted their plans to bring costs down. However, the war in Iran, rising prices for electricity and housing, and tariffs threaten to keep affordability at the forefront. A recent poll found that 47% of registered voters believe the cost of living would be the most important factor in their candidate choice.\n\nInflation is currently above the Fed's 2% target, and more interest rate hikes could occur before the year is over. Seven Senate races are considered toss-ups, including Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas.\n\nIn Michigan, Republicans are pushing for a ban on diesel exports and suspending gas taxes, while Democrats call for lower gas and diesel prices. Democrats in Michigan, such as candidate Abdul El-Sayed, emphasize gas and grocery affordability, while Republicans like Mike Rogers propose down payment assistance and reduced interest rates to make housing more affordable.",
  "summary": "It's almost election time in America, and voters in swing states are looking at their wallets — and gas prices — at the ballot box.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}