{
  "id": 12560197,
  "title": "Inflation driving people to the polls in US midterms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/inflation-driving-people-to-the-polls-in-us-midterms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T05:52:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/us/2026/1007/1594334-us-midterms/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Inflation is a major factor motivating residents of Dundalk, Maryland, to participate in this year's midterm elections on November 8. According to local man TJ, the soaring costs of groceries, with five to six items costing almost $300, have left many struggling to make ends meet. Blaming high gas prices on gas companies and former President Joe Biden, TJ expressed a preference for former President Donald Trump due to his perceived business acumen. The town, leaning Republican in a Democratic state, has a history of voting for Trump in all three presidential elections. Despite the GOP's expected nationwide losses, some Republicans in Dundalk remain loyal, citing concerns about the economy and socialism. Italian-American Mike, a long-time resident, emphasized his faith and support for capitalism, warning against a shift towards a socialist state. President Trump's visit to Dundalk, highlighting a $3.7 billion investment for naval submarine components, aimed to boost Republican chances in the election. While Democrats are favored to gain a narrow majority in the House, the Senate remains uncertain. Despite a 32% national approval rating for Trump, his approval among long-time Republican voters in Dundalk remains strong at 73%.",
  "summary": "Residents of Dundalk in Maryland cite the usual big issues driving them to the polls for this year's Midterm election in November: high gas prices, crime and immigration.",
  "key_points": [
    "Inflation driving US midterms voter turnout in Dundalk, Maryland",
    "TJ blames high gas prices on companies, former President Biden",
    "Trump's visit aims to boost Republican chances despite Senate uncertainty"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Inflation concerns are solidifying voter loyalty to Republicans in some areas, like Dundalk, Maryland, where economic worries and fears of socialism are outweighing national trends that suggest GOP losses.",
  "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."
}