Full Breakdown
Rising Grocery Prices Fuel Consumer Strain and Political Discontent Ahead of 2026 Midterms
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Surge in Food Costs
A Self Financial survey conducted in August found that grocery prices have risen 28 percent from September 2020 to September 2026, according to federal data. Prices for staple items have jumped sharply—ground beef is up roughly 67 percent and coffee has more than doubled, climbing 108 percent over the same period. The same poll of about 1,000 respondents reported that half of Americans are now skipping meals because of these higher costs.
02
Consumer Impact and Mental Health
Respondents indicated that the surge in food prices is affecting mental health and stress levels more than physical activity, diet, nutrition, or sleep. The survey linked the financial pinch to broader wellbeing concerns, highlighting a growing affordability crisis among U.S. households.
03
Political Fallout
Two separate surveys show widespread voter dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of the cost of living. A New York Times–Siena University poll found that 69 percent of voters disapprove of the cost of living under President Donald Trump, while 73 percent disapprove of his handling of gas prices. Don Levy, executive director of the Siena Research Institute, summarized the political implications:
> “Voters are dissatisfied with both the Democratic and Republican parties but they see Democrats as more trusted to do a better job on the economy, the cost of living, gas prices, health care, corruption, foreign wars and AI by between eight and twenty points.” — Don Levy, research institute executive
These findings suggest that voters are leaning toward Democrats as the party more capable of addressing economic pressures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
04
Gas Prices and Broader Cost-of-Living Pressures
Price-tracking site GasBuddy reports that 2026 has seen more days with average unleaded gasoline prices at $4 or higher than any previous year. Federal data also indicate that average gas costs are higher in President Trump’s second term than during President Joe Biden’s term, compounding the overall cost-of-living concerns.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “Voters are dissatisfied with both the Democratic and Republican parties but they see Democrats as more trusted to do a better job on the economy, the cost of living, gas prices, health care, corruption, foreign wars and AI by between eight and twenty points,” — Don Levy, research institute executive