Cost of living drives Pacific Northwest ballots as polls open

The Associated Press describes the 2026 midterm election as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, with voters struggling with high prices and anger over an unpopular war with Iran. As polls open across the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday, November 3, the economic outlook has become the defining factor for many Democrats and independents. The AP-NORC polling indicates that only 25 percent of U.S. adults approve of the president's handling of the economy, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most of those surveyed blame Trump for high prices, a sentiment that resonates strongly in the region.

In Washington state, polls close at 8 p.m. local time. The state has no Senate or governor race on the ballot, but voters are choosing representatives for all House districts. The economic strain is a central theme here, with many residents citing the cost of groceries and housing. The AP notes that Republicans were bracing to lose the House, and Democrats are cautiously optimistic about gaining the net three seats needed for a majority. The 218 to 214 seat distribution, with one independent, makes every district in the Northwest a potential battleground.

Oregon holds its polls from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with most voting by mail. The state is deciding its U.S. Senate seat, which is open, and its governorship, also an open seat. The AP highlights that economic strain and tariffs have made races like Maine competitive, a trend that is visible in Oregon where the cost of living is a top concern. The 13 Senate battlegrounds include Alaska and Michigan, but the Pacific Northwest voters are focused on local impacts. The new congressional maps in states like North Carolina and Texas are also influencing the national conversation, even as Oregonians cast their ballots.

Idaho polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The state is voting for its U.S. Senate seat, held by incumbent Republican Jim Risch, and its governor, incumbent Republican Brad Little. The AP reports that Republicans hold 26 governorships and Democrats 24, with 36 governorships up for grabs nationwide. Idaho's races are part of this broader contest for control of statehouses. The 19 governor races without an incumbent reflect term limits or strategic choices, but Idaho's incumbents are running. The economic mood is similar to the rest of the region, with voters looking for relief on prices.

Alaska polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. The state is deciding its U.S. Senate seat, held by incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan, and its governorship, which is an open seat. The AP notes that Alaska is a toss-up or lean Democratic in the Senate race according to race ratings as of October 27. The Trump administration filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result in Alaska, adding a layer of complexity. The economic issues, including the impact of tariffs on local goods, are central to the debate. The state's voters are also aware of the federal judge's temporary bar on the administration's plan to prevent noncitizen voting.

Hawaii polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the state primarily voting by mail. The state has no Senate race but is deciding its governorship, held by incumbent Democratic Joshua Green. The AP describes the election as a moment where one or two seats could tip either chamber of Congress. Hawaii's voters are also weighing the national economic trends, with the AP-NORC poll showing that most adults blame Trump for high prices. The state's unique geography and economy make the cost of living a particularly acute issue, with many residents feeling the pinch of inflation.

The AP reports that more than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote of four years ago in many closely watched states. This high early turnout suggests that voters are motivated by the economic conditions. In Raleigh, North Carolina, voter James Moore, a 57-year-old librarian, said, "I'm paying more taxes. I'm paying more for my healthcare. I'm paying more for everything." His comments reflect the sentiment in the Pacific Northwest, where the cost of healthcare and daily necessities is a major concern. The AP-NORC poll shows that 35 percent of adults approve of Trump's job performance overall, a number that likely influences the decision of many voters in the region.

The AP notes that Republicans were bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate, with Democrats cautiously optimistic. The 46 battleground districts, 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans, are key to the outcome. In the Pacific Northwest, the economic issues are likely to drive these races. The AP says that Democrats need a net gain of three districts for a majority, while Republicans can lose no more than two. The 60 House incumbents who did not run again, including 23 Democrats and 37 Republicans, have opened up seats that are now in play. The new congressional maps in six states, including California and Florida, are also affecting the dynamics, even as the Northwest focuses on its own races.

The AP reports that the 2026 elections will likely be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outraising and outspending Democratic committees. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. The 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending that went to states and districts Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million where he won by 10 points or more, suggests a focus on protecting those gains. In the Pacific Northwest, the ad spending is likely to highlight the economic issues, with candidates emphasizing their plans to address the cost of living. The AP notes that the Republican money edge and redistricting are obstacles for Democrats, but the economic mood may favor them.