AI ranked last among voter priorities in 2026 U.S. midterms

AI and data center expansion ranked lowest among the five issues measured in NBC News and SSRS exit polls from the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. According to the survey, 56 percent of respondents said the topic was a decisive or important factor in their vote.

Government corruption was the leading issue, cited by 90 percent of respondents. The cost of living followed at 89 percent, while the war in Iran reached 74 percent and immigration enforcement 73 percent. The results therefore placed AI and data centers well behind each of the other topics included in the poll. The survey measured the share of voters who considered each issue decisive or important. The findings come as public interest in AI has increased in recent months, although the issue still received the lowest rating among those surveyed.