Poll by Financial Times and FocalData finds Democrats with 6-point edge on handling the economy ahead of midterms

Democrats held a 6-point advantage over Republicans on voters’ perceptions of which party is better at handling the economy as the midterm elections approach, according to a new poll conducted by FocalData for the Financial Times and reported by The Hill.

The survey found that 44 percent of registered voters said Democrats are better at handling the economy, compared with 38 percent who said Republicans are better, a gap that falls within the range of typical polling error depending on the survey methodology.

The poll also asked respondents about the top issues shaping their voting priorities. Inflation and the cost of living were cited as leading concerns, underscoring the economic issues that are likely to remain central to voter decision-making as election day nears.

According to the report, voters’ assessments of the parties’ economic performance are taking place against a backdrop of broader national debate over household financial pressures, including prices for everyday goods and services.

The midterm elections, expected to determine partisan control of key House and Senate contests, are scheduled for November. With roughly two months remaining as of the report date, the survey’s results provide a snapshot of how voters are weighing party reputations on economic management rather than a measure of any specific policy proposal.

The findings were reported as part of a wider package examining voter priorities heading into the midterms, with the economy emerging as a focal point for respondents surveyed by FocalData.

The poll’s results reflect perceptions at the time of surveying and do not, by themselves, indicate which party will win particular races. Campaign messaging and candidate-specific records can differ from national party assessments reflected in general-election polling.