Government corruption a top issue for US midterm voters, exclusive poll finds

Key Points:

• A Harris poll reveals that nearly 90% of Americans view government corruption, defined as officials prioritizing personal or donor financial interests over the public's, as a major problem ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections.
• Seventy-six percent of voters believe elected officials prioritize enriching themselves rather than improving the economy for ordinary citizens, with corruption ranking as a higher concern (65%) than corporate power (29%).
• The poll indicates voters see Republicans as having a bigger corruption problem than Democrats, with 40% overall and 34% of independents holding this view, while 32% say both parties are equally corrupt.
• Despite soaring stock markets benefiting the wealthiest Americans, many voters feel elected officials are influenced by large campaign donations, with just 40 donors contributing $2.5 billion this election cycle, fueling perceptions of self-enrichment among politicians.
• Addressing cost-of-living issues remains the top voter priority, with 32% supporting limits on corporate and lobbyist influence on government, while a California ballot measure proposing a billionaire wealth tax faces heavy opposition from tech billionaires spending millions to defeat it.