2026 Elections: Let’s Get to Work

Learn why protecting Social Security is a priority following the 2026 elections.

Key takeaways

• Prioritize Social Security protections that help workers receive their full earned payments.
• Recognize 50-plus voters’ concerns about rising grocery, gas and health care costs.
• Strengthen Social Security to support older Americans, their children and grandchildren.

Summary

Social Security is a key priority following the 2026 elections, particularly for older voters concerned about rising everyday costs. Americans 50-plus accounted for 60% of voters, with pocketbook issues including groceries, gas, health care and Social Security helping to drive their concerns.

Nine out of 10 voters said they prefer candidates who prioritize ensuring workers receive their full Social Security payments. Protecting and strengthening the program can help provide greater security for older Americans today, as well as their children and grandchildren tomorrow.

The key takeaways and summary were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Full transcript

[0:00:00] John Hishta: Hey, folks.

[0:00:01] I wanna congratulate all the candidates elected yesterday, and in particular,

[0:00:07] the folks who will be serving in the next session of Congress.

[0:00:10] The American people have entrusted you with our nation’s most sacred duty, and

[0:00:15] now it’s time to live up to that trust.

[0:00:18] Older voters are our nation’s most reliable voters, and

[0:00:22] this year was no different.

[0:00:24] Americans 50-plus accounted for 60% of voters, and this year they were

[0:00:30] driven by pocketbook issues, like the rising costs of everyday essentials,

[0:00:35] like groceries, gas and health care, and like the Social Security they’ve

[0:00:40] earned over a lifetime of work.

[0:00:43] In fact, a whopping 9 out of 10 said they prefer candidates who

[0:00:48] prioritize making sure workers get their full Social Security payments.

[0:00:55] And when was the last time that many Americans agreed on anything?

[0:00:59] So let’s get to work.

[0:01:01] The sooner we protect and strengthen Social Security for older Americans

[0:01:06] today, and for their kids and grandkids tomorrow, the more secure

[0:01:11] our country and its people will be.