(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) A month before the midterm elections, surveys of voters have made it clear that rising crime and the declining economy are the two issues that are top of mind, and they trust Republicans to handle these issues better.
According to Just the News, inflation consistently ranked the current record-breaking inflation as a number one priority, as rising prices continue to make it difficult for some Americans to make ends meet.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data showing that food costs spiked 11.4% over the past year and housing related expenses—including rent and mortgage rates—went up 6.2%.
Wages have failed to increase alongside rising prices according to the Labor Department, which reported that average weekly earnings decreased 3.4% in 2022.
Estimates show that average households will lose the equivalent of thousands of dollars due to inflation rising faster than wages.
Polls also show crime as a top concern for voters, with 72% of American voters ranking it second to inflation.
According to Rasmussesn Reports, 62% of Americans believe crime is getting worse.
The Justice Department reported that violent crime in urban areas rose 29% between 2020 and 2021, but even that survey does not include an increase in murder rates. The FBI stated that murders in the U.S. also rose in that time period.
Reports for 2022 also show a spike in violent crime across the nation.
Polls have been showing that voters trust Republicans more than Democrats on the handling of both crime and the economy by a 20 point margin.
Polling has also found that the majority of Americans do not approve of President Joe Biden’s handling of both of these issues, despite the slight increase in his overall approval rating in recent days.
The Gallup poll has long asked voters, “Which political party do you think can do a better job handling the problem you think is most important — the Republican Party or the Democratic Party?”
Respondents picked Republicans over Democrats by 48%-37% for 2022, a comfortable 11 point margin in favor of Republicans—larger than any party has experienced in at least 20 years.
While it is possible that the situation could change in the month leading up to the midterms, it seems as if Democrats may be in for a harsh awakening.
 A month before the midterm elections, surveys of voters have made it clear that rising crime and the declining economy are the two issues that are top of mind, and they trust Republicans to handle these issues better.){kind=link}