2026 Midterm Elections

Prediction market odds, consumer sentiment, and the economic indicators that historically predict midterm outcomes. Updated just now.

Prediction Markets

Democrats Win House (Polymarket)

Prediction market probability that Democrats control the House after the 2026 midterms.

▲ 1.2%

85.5%

Level

YoY Change (bps)

No data
Democrats Win Senate (Polymarket)

Prediction market probability that Democrats control the Senate after the 2026 midterms.

▲ 7.8%

55.5%

Level

YoY Change (bps)

No data
US Recession by EOY (Polymarket)

Prediction market probability of a US recession — recessions devastate the incumbent party at midterms.

▼ 6.0%

31.5%

Level

YoY Change (bps)

No data

Consumer Mood

Consumer Sentiment

University of Michigan consumer sentiment — historically one of the strongest predictors of midterm outcomes.

▼ -2.1% YoY

56.60Index

Trend YoY growth is -2.1%, slowing by 4 bps/year over the last 25Y. Deviations have remained below trend for 14 consecutive periods. Latest: -12.5%, 10.5 pp below trend, a 0.8σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is boosted by 13.8 pp due to an easy comparison base from Feb '25.

Level

YoY %

y = −1.0% 4 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend

Regular Gas Price

The most visible price in the economy — voters feel gas prices daily and blame the party in power.

▲ +1.0% YoY

4.12$/gal

Trend YoY growth is +1.0%, slowing by 34 bps/year over the last 25Y. Latest: +27.0%, 26.0 pp above trend, a 1.2σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is boosted by 11.1 pp due to an easy comparison base from Apr '25.

Level

YoY %

y = 9.5% 34 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend

Economic Conditions

Unemployment Rate

Headline labor market indicator — rising unemployment historically costs the president's party seats.

▼ -0.4% YoY

4.3%

Trend YoY growth is -0.4%, slowing by 2.9 pp/year over the last 25Y. Deviations have remained above trend for 35 consecutive periods. Latest: +0.1%, 46 bps above trend, a 0.3σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is depressed by 63 bps due to an tough comparison base from Mar '25.

Level

YoY Change (bps)

y = 0.4% 3 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend

CPI Inflation

Year-over-year consumer price inflation — high inflation erodes purchasing power and incumbent support.

▲ +0.1% YoY

3.3%

Trend YoY growth is +0.1%, accelerating by 53 bps/year over the last 24Y. Latest: +0.5%, 46 bps above trend, a 0.2σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is boosted by 1.2 pp due to an easy comparison base from Mar '25.

Level

YoY Change (bps)

y = −0.1% + 1 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend

Real Disposable Income

Inflation-adjusted income available for spending — captures whether households are actually better off.

▲ +2.5% YoY

18.1k$B

Trend YoY growth is +2.5%, accelerating by 1 bps/year over the last 25Y. Deviations have remained below trend for 10 consecutive periods. Latest: +1.1%, 1.5 pp below trend, a 0.4σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is boosted by 72 bps due to an easy comparison base from Feb '25.

Level

YoY %

y = 2.3% + 1 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend

Market Performance

S&P 500

Broad equity market performance — a strong market signals economic confidence heading into the vote.

▲ +15.6% YoY

6.8kIndex

Trend YoY growth is +15.6%, accelerating by 45 bps/year over the last 9Y. Deviations have remained above trend for 8 consecutive periods. Latest: +27.1%, 11.5 pp above trend, a 0.8σ deviation. The latest YoY reading is boosted by 13.8 pp due to an easy comparison base from Apr '25.

Level

YoY %

y = 11.5% + 45 bps/yr · t

Deviation from trend