Voters 50+ in Competitive Congressional Districts Focus on Affordability, Financial Security, and Retirement Issues Ahead of Midterm Elections

A new AARP survey of likely voters in 43 congressional districts finds that voters 50 and older are poised to play a pivotal role in the 2026 midterm elections. The survey shows that issues affecting financial security and aging are central to voting decisions among this influential electorate. More than 4 in 5 voters 50-plus say Social Security (83%) is extremely or very important when deciding how to vote, while 80% say the same about rising prices for everyday essentials and health care costs. Medicare (76%), policies that help older adults live independently as they age (75%), and prescription drug costs (66%) also rank among their top concerns.

Affordability remains a dominant concern. Affordability is the most frequently cited voting issue overall, while a majority of voters age 50-plus (55%) say they are worried about their personal financial situation. Among older voters, groceries, gasoline, and health care costs rank as the leading affordability challenges.

The survey also highlights broad support among voters 50-plus for policies that strengthen retirement and financial security. Ninety-four percent say they would be more likely to support a candidate who ensures workers receive the Social Security benefits they have earned, 85% support protecting Social Security from cuts, and 85% favor expanding Medicare's ability to negotiate prescription drug prices.

Substantial majorities also support policies that assist family caregivers and help older adults remain independent in their homes and communities. Half of voters 50-plus also identify as current or former family caregivers, underscoring the importance of caregiving-related policies.

Methodology

AARP commissioned the bipartisan polling team of Fabrizio Ward (R) and Impact Research (D) to conduct a survey of likely 2026 voters in 43 congressional districts rated by the Cook Political Report as Lean Democratic, Lean Republican, or Toss-Up as of September 30, 2026. The survey interviewed 1,368 likely voters age 18 and older, including 848 voters 50 and older, from October 1 to 5, 2026. Data were weighted to represent the voting population of the targeted congressional districts nationwide. A complete list of congressional districts included in the survey is available in the report. For more information, contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.