Republicans Push Tax Cuts and Affordability in 2026 Midterms as Trump Approval Sags
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 9
Republicans Push Tax Cuts and Affordability in 2026 Midterms as Trump Approval Sags
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 9
Summary
Republicans are centering their midterm message on affordability, last year’s tax-cut law and culture-war issues as they gather in Dallas to shore up a weakening electoral position.
41% of Americans said in a July AP-NORC poll they are worried about affording groceries, while high gas prices, expensive food and broad discontent with Trump’s economic handling have hurt the party in power.
The GOP plans to tout a housing law, Trump’s drug-price executive actions and bigger state-and-local-tax deductions in high-tax states, while also selling tax breaks on tips, overtime and children.
That tax message carries risk because the same bill cut health care and food aid for millions; in California farm country, Rep. David Valadao faces pressure in a district where 64% of residents use Medicaid.
Republicans are also trying to motivate their base by attacking Democrats as too far left and by emphasizing fights over transgender athletes, voting rules and other cultural flashpoints.