Democrats Lead Economy, New Poll Finds

Voters across parties express concern that money has an outsized influence on U.S. elections as campaign spending climbs to record levels, with about three-quarters saying there is too much money in politics and money from billionaires and special interests fueling high-stakes primaries. Across multiple polls, observers warn that rising ad spending, currently tracking toward tens of billions, challenges faith in democracy and may suppress voter power. Early signals for 2028 show Democrats led by Vice President Kamala Harris and Republicans led by Vice President JD Vance, though no one has formally announced; leaders including Pete Buttigieg and others are weighing future runs, while President Trump has publicly praised possible ticket partners. A separate analysis finds that about 73% of polls historically overstated Democratic support, especially in summer, underscoring persistent polling biases that voters and campaigns must consider. In a separate economy-focused survey, Democrats hold a six-point edge on handling the economy ahead of midterms, with inflation concerns and international tensions shaping priorities as voters weigh which party is best equipped to manage the economy. Communities are left balancing concerns about money in politics, poll reliability, and economic worries as they approach a pivotal political calendar.