Polling conducted by several outlets shows that the economy and inflation remain the gravest concerns for Americans heading into the 2022 election. The little lead that Democratic candidates had gained towards the end of summer after the Dobbs decision, has now mostly disappeared as Republicans look poised to retake the House and, potentially, the Senate.

On October 19, Politico released the results of its latest polling, which shows that roughly 80% of Americans report that the economy and inflation are the biggest concerns. The other two top issues are crime, 64%, and abortion, 59%.

The New York Times apparently came to a similar conclusion, according to the National Review, though their results are behind a paywall.

A recent North Carolina-centric Civitas Poll shores up those results, showing that the majority people in the state, about 60%, are struggling to afford housing, food and gas. The impact of inflation is being felt strongly in the state, but this is an issue that isn’t at the forefront of some in the Democratic party.

An analysis of the current election environment from the UK publication The Guardian, points out that Democrats have perhaps focused too much on other issues and not enough on the economy.

Liz Featherstone wrote, “Democratic leaders have sometimes seemed dismissive of inflation. The White House has repeatedly shrugged it off, and this summer, the Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman mocked a campaign video featuring his opponent in a grocery store discussing high food prices.

“If the Democrats can’t deliver a better economic message, many Americans may conclude that like the repeal of Roe v Wade, inflation is what happens when you vote.”

That’s why Politico’s election predictor is moving ever more steadily towards the Republicans taking the House, while maintaining that the Senate is still a toss-up.

Some of the races that remain critical to watch are the Arizona and New Hampshire Senate races, which are currently leaning Democrat, and the contentious campaigns in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

On the House side, Republicans are likely to keep Texas’ 15th District in the Rio Grande Valley, which flipped from blue to red in the last election, though the most closely watched contests are still a toss up. 

When it comes to North Carolina, the U.S. Senate race is one of the biggest and most crucial in the state. The latest poll from the ECU shows that Democrat Cheri Beasley is outpacing Republican Ted Budd when it comes to spending.

The Civitas Poll found that for likely voters, the race between the two remains tight. 

When asked to choose a candidate if the election was held today, 43.7% chose Budd and 44.0% chose Beasley.

Early voting opens in North Carolina on October 20. It’s an opportunity to make your voice heard on freedom, the economy and the future of the country.