A recent CBS News Battleground Tracker poll suggests that former President Donald Trump is a significant influence in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, with both Republicans and Democrats viewing the midterms as being about his impact, though for different reasons. If this perception remains strong until Election Day, it would surpass the level of presidential influence seen in the 2018 midterms. The election occurs amid a range of uncertainties, including the economy, inflation, overseas conflicts, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Inflation is a major concern for voters in 2026, similar to the situation in 2022, where it influenced voting behavior against the party in power. However, most voters believe neither party can improve their financial situation and are primarily motivated by opposition to current policies rather than optimism about the future. Voters generally prefer candidates who oppose new tariffs and the Iran conflict, which is linked to rising prices. According to CBS News' House model, Democrats currently hold a lead in the race for the House of Representatives, with an estimated 228 seats—enough to maintain a majority, though not a large one—over the 218 needed to control the chamber. If more Democratic candidates gain support in the coming weeks, the estimate could rise into the high 230s. However, if the support drops, the estimate could fall to 215, which would allow Republicans to maintain a narrow majority. This is partly due to the continued support from MAGA (Make America Great Again) voters and those who backed Trump in the 2024 election, who are staying with the GOP out of opposition to the Democrats. Democrats are gaining support from voters who say higher prices have been difficult or worse, but much of their backing comes from those who want to stop Trump's policies rather than support Democratic initiatives. Most voters also do not believe the One Big Beautiful Bill—likely referring to a proposed legislative package—has helped their finances. More Democrats express enthusiasm about voting than Republicans, though Trump still has a turnout effect among MAGA Republicans, who are responding to his and party leaders' calls to vote. Many MAGA Republicans say they are just as interested in voting now as they were in 2024, even though Trump is not on the ballot. However, non-MAGA Republicans are less likely to say they will definitely vote. For most Republicans, Trump's endorsement increases the likelihood of supporting a candidate. Republicans, especially MAGA voters, continue to strongly approve of Trump, particularly on issues like immigration, and they prefer candidates who support his approach to ICE operations, tariffs, and the Iran conflict. While Democrats have a relative advantage in the congressional race, the endorsement of democratic socialist candidates does not resonate beyond the Democratic base, and even within that group, support is mixed. Democrats are seeing growth among Hispanic voters, many of whom prefer candidates who oppose the administration's approach to ICE. Trump's 2024 victory was partly due to voters believing he could help the economy and reduce prices, and many of his supporters remain with the GOP, even as they see prices as a problem, largely due to their unfavorable views of Democrats. They view a Democratic-controlled Congress as a threat to their way of life. Gas prices and differing opinions on the Iran conflict also create divisions within the Republican Party. Most MAGA Republicans believe Americans should be willing to pay more during the conflict, while other Republicans do not. Both parties generally think artificial intelligence will decrease job numbers, with Democrats more likely to believe this. Overall, voters prefer candidates who oppose new data centers in their areas.