An Ipsos poll for Reuters found cost of living was the most important factor in congressional votes for 47% of registered voters, while Reuters reported President Donald Trump campaigned for Republicans.
The survey included 1,679 U.S. adults; 31% approved of Trump's job performance and 66% disapproved. In a separate congressional ballot question, 47% of registered voters favored a Democratic candidate in their district, compared with 35% who favored a Republican.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% in September from August on a seasonally adjusted basis, after a 0.4% increase in August. The 12-month increase reached 3.7%, compared with 3.4% through August. The gasoline index rose 9.1% in September on a seasonally adjusted basis and 34.2% over the 12 months through September.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) put the average price of regular gasoline at $4.27 per gallon on Oct. 22, down six cents from a week earlier. AAA said the switch to winter-blend gasoline helped lower prices, while crude oil nearing $100 per barrel limited the decline.
Reuters reported rallies in Texas, Kansas and Ohio, along with events supporting Republican candidates in Alaska, Iowa, Montana and South Carolina. The outlet described the schedule as an effort to mobilize Republican voters and help the party maintain control of Congress. It characterized many of the locations as electorally favorable to Republicans.
In San Antonio, Reuters reported empty seats even though Trump had said there were long lines outside. A separate North Carolina rally filled its venue without an apparent outdoor queue, the outlet reported.
The Federal Election Commission lists Nov. 3, 2026, as the date of the congressional general election. The BLS has scheduled its October inflation report for Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
