A Preview of the Role Health Care May Play in the 2026 Election Authors: Shannon Schumacher, Julian Montalvo III, Ashley Kirzinger, and Liz Hamel Published: Apr 2, 2026

https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/a-preview-of-the-role-health-care-may-play-in-the-2026-election/?utm_campaign=KFF-Polling-Surveys&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--tsckxA3ndvQps72IUzl5-nQgEuyPbMuGjZSmLEQFIklRCTnbGhkz2Bnw9qsgSbRnRnO6CyLHMbT_ecFvgP2zZFYft_A&_hsmi=411937048&utm_content=411937048&utm_source=hs_email KFF Examines Health Care's Role in Elections Past and Present A new KFF issue brief examines the role health care could play in the 2026 midterms and the role it has played in past elections, using KFF polls, exit polls, and other data. Recent polls suggest health care costs are a rising economic concern for voters, compared to previous elections. These concerns have coincided with rising health insurance premiums following the expiration of the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits and higher cost-sharing for employer-sponsored insurance. Voters currently favor Democrats over Republicans on health care and prescription drug costs, with majorities saying health costs are important to their vote. The public has historically trusted Democrats more on health care and Republicans more on the economy. At the same time, KFF polls have consistently found that the cost of health care is an important part of voters’ economic concerns. KFF will continue to track the role of health care in the midterms over the coming months.