If the shutdown extends into a second month, then damage starts to accumulate pretty quickly," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s,

Economic pessimism could possibly impact policy decisions and political outcomes in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

Economic anxiety rises as 47% of Americans doubt their ability to find good jobs, up from 37% in October 2023. High costs for groceries, housing, healthcare and electricity persist, with 36% citing utility bills as major stress. Trump’s 36% economic approval rating mirrors Biden’s struggles, as tariffs and hiring freezes dampen a promised boom.

In the Virginia and New Jersey governor's races and the California redistricting fight, Democrats are spending more on ads — though that comes with no guarantees about the results.