Independent Voters More Pessimistic Than Democrats or Republicans About the Economy and Their Financial Futures

Heading into midterm elections, new research from Jobs for the Future finds voters rank quality jobs alongside prices and health care as top election priorities

BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As November's midterm elections approach, independent voters are feeling more negative than either Democrats or Republicans about the economy and their own financial footing, according to a new survey released today by national nonprofit Jobs for the Future (JFF). Conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, the survey found that more than half (57%) of all voters think the economy is on the wrong track, and just 20% of independents say it is headed in the right direction.

"Voters are heading to the polls with one issue at the top of their minds: the economy, and what it means for their own paychecks and prospects," said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF. "Independents in particular are telling us they don't feel economically secure and don't see enough candidates talking about how to solve their most pressing needs. In an increasingly volatile economy, quality jobs and affordable pathways to get them are kitchen-table issues, and the candidates who speak to them have a real opportunity to earn voters' trust."

The survey of more than 2,000 registered voters found broad-based economic anxiety heading into November, with independent voters matching or exceeding Democrats on several key measures:

• 57% of voters think the economy is on the wrong track. Voter pessimism has deepened since JFF's last survey of voter perspectives in April 2025, which found that 54% of voters believed the economy was on the wrong track at the current administration's 100-day mark.
• 53% of voters feel economically secure. That drops to 42% of independents, compared to 50% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans.
• Rural voters also lag: 44% feel economically secure, compared to 62% of urban voters.
• Among voters in the labor force, women who are registered Independent voters are the least optimistic about AI's impact on their careers. Just 21% are optimistic, compared to 45% of independent men and 47% among all voters in the labor force (i.e. employed or unemployed but looking for work).
• Voters are worried about being able to get another job should they lose their current one. Only 63% of voters with a job said they agree (strongly or somewhat) that if they lost their job in the next 12 months they could find a new one that pays the same or higher wage. Only 28% strongly agree.
• Less than half of voters can afford education and training. 43% of voters agree (strongly or somewhat) that they have enough money for themselves or a member in their household to enroll in a college degree program, while 48% say they can afford a nondegree training program. 

When asked to rate 12 issues facing the country, voters put concerns over financial security, job quality, and economic mobility at the top. Eight in 10 voters (80%) said ensuring education and training is affordable and connected to quality career paths should be a priority. Bringing down prices (84%), making health care more affordable (83%), and improving the quality of jobs in America (81%) were the top three most important priorities for elected officials, with support for job quality holding steady across Democrats (81%), independents (78%), and Republicans (83%).

Yet voters say candidates are falling short. Fewer than half are satisfied with the attention elected officials are giving to improving the quality of jobs (47%), helping people access them (45%), and making education and training affordable (45%). More than two-thirds (69%) say they are more likely to support a candidate who openly favors improving job quality, while just 6% say they are less likely.

The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for policies that connect education and training to quality jobs:

• Expanding partnerships between schools and businesses that provide work-based learning experiences to students: 80% of Democrats, 77% of Republicans, and 74% of independents
• Providing robust funding for apprenticeship programs: 82% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 70% of independents
• Allowing people to use government-funded financial aid for short-term, nondegree programs that teach job-related skills: 81% of Democrats, 75% of Republicans, and 71% of independents
• Assisting workers who have lost their jobs due to AI with living expenses, job search assistance, and education and training: 81% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 68% of independents
• Increase tax credits or grants for employers who pay for education and training for workers who are in need of upskilling or reskilling due to technological advances in the labor market: 74% of Democrats, 70% of Republicans, and 68% of independents.

"Voters across the political spectrum are asking for the same thing: a fair shot at a good job and an affordable way to get the skills to land one," said Karishma Merchant, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Jobs for the Future. "Apprenticeships, work-based learning, and financial aid for short-term training draw support from roughly three in four voters in every party. Whoever wins in November will have a clear mandate to act on them."

For a detailed look at the survey findings and to explore JFF's policy recommendations, visit: https://www.jff.org/idea/survey-finds-voters-want-elected-officials-to-prioritize-job-quality-and-education-affordability/.

About Jobs for the Future

JFF is building a future that works for everyone by transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. Learn more at www.jff.org.

Media Contact:
Yveneka Lestin
ylestin@jff.org 

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SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC