We asked Americans to grade the economy. Then we asked if it would change their vote.
As Americans gather in the nation’s capital to celebrate the Fourth of July and kick off national observances 250th anniversary Fox News Digital asked attendees of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall during the festivities if the economy would affect how they vote in November.
While most survey respondents gave the U.S. economy a passing grade (mostly a “B”), they said their vote would not depend solely on inflation, employment or economic growth. Instead, they pointed to values, leadership, and party affiliation as factors that would ultimately determine their vote.
The responses offer a snapshot of how some voters view one of the nation’s most important political issues ahead of the election. 2026 midterms.
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Although respondents expressed cautious optimism about the direction of the economy, many said improving conditions would not be enough to change their political preferences, underscoring that broader ideological and cultural issues continue to play in shaping voters’ decisions.
“Comparing the economy to what it was, I’d probably give it a B, definitely a B,” Jay Miller of Lafayette, Louisiana, told Fox News Digital. “I think we’re on the cusp of economic growth that we’ve never seen before in our country. And I’m happy to be alive at this point and witness it firsthand this time.”
Miller said he believes lawmakers need to work more closely President Donald Trump to advance the administration’s agenda and argue that doing so will help pave the way for greater economic growth.
Donna Festinger of Greenfield, Massachusetts, also gave the economy above-average marks, rating it a “B-plus.”
“I think it’s increasing and we’re getting more and more business, which I think really helps everyone in America,” the retired teacher told Fox News Digital. “I think this administration is working hard to help everyone make more money and save more money, which will lead to a return to a better economy.”
But not everyone in Washington, D.C. this week was so optimistic.
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Bonnie, of Hollister, Calif., gave the economy a “C”, citing ongoing concerns about prices, but said she was hopeful conditions would continue to improve.
“I don’t think it’s very good right now,” he said gas prices in his hometown of California. “I’d say maybe C, but I’m hoping it will turn around and go up to B soon.”
Dan Cuda, 72, settled somewhere in the middle, saying the economy still has “a lot of upside potential” despite inflation.
“Groceries are expensive. I’m an Air Force veteran and I still shop at military commissaries and the prices are noticeably increasing,” Cuda, a Maryland resident, told Fox News Digital.
Military commissaries are convenience stores located on military installations that offer discounted prices to eligible service members, veterans and their families.
Despite higher food costs, Cuda still said: “I would call it…the B economy.”
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President Donald Trump returned to the White House with promises to revitalize American manufacturing and bring jobs back to the United States.
When the topic shifted from economics to politics, many Americans said economic conditions were not the determining factor in how they planned to vote.
“This doesn’t really affect my vote,” Cuda said, adding: “I’m voting for R no matter what.”
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Miller echoed the same sentiment, saying character and values are more important than economic performance when it comes to voting at the ballot box.
“Give me good people,” he said. “Give me conservatives. Give me someone who has some faith, who has some family, who has some value. And that’s what I’m voting for.”
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Bonnie also said the economy is important but would not change her support for her preferred candidate.
“It’s important, but it’s not going to stop me from voting for whom,” the Californian said.
Original article source: We asked Americans to rate the economy. We then asked if this would change their vote.
