What We Know About GOP Candidates Distancing From Trump

Republican candidates heading into the Nov. 3 congressional elections face a choice over whether to align with President Donald Trump's upbeat economic message or acknowledge voter frustration over the cost of living, according to the BBC.

What is Trump saying about the economy?

Trump told supporters last week, "We have the best economic numbers of any president in the history of our country, and yet people don't know about it because the press won't talk about it," the BBC reported. He has described affordability concerns as "fake" and a Democrat-inspired "hoax," according to the outlet. The BBC notes that some indicators, including stock market indexes and low poverty rates, are strong, but the broader picture is mixed.

How bad do voters say conditions are?

Inflation stands at 3.4% and is outpacing wage growth, the BBC reported. The average price of gasoline has reached $4.37 a gallon, and beef prices are at a record high, according to the outlet. A YouGov survey found 63% of respondents believe the economy is "getting worse," the BBC reported. An AP/NORC poll released last week found only 17% of adults approve of Trump's handling of cost-of-living issues, while 26% approve of his handling of the economy overall, according to the BBC. The same polling suggests broad disapproval of Trump policies on tariffs, immigration enforcement and the conflict with Iran, the outlet reported.

What are Republican strategists hearing from voters?

"We ask our voters their motivation to turn out, and what we find is cost of living, cost of living, cost of living," said Avery James, director of communications at Republican-aligned polling firm Echelon Insights, according to the BBC. James called it "the top issue" for GOP voters heading into the midterms.

How is Byron Donalds handling the issue in Florida?

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who is running for governor with Trump's endorsement, illustrates the balancing act, the BBC reported. Donalds backed Trump through his 2020 defeat and 2024 campaign, according to the outlet. Speaking at a Hispanic church in Kissimmee, Donalds told the crowd, "We're the best state in America," before adding, "But success has gotten expensive," the BBC reported. He then listed Florida accomplishments while acknowledging the affordability strain, according to the outlet's account of the event.

Why does the choice carry risk either way?

The BBC frames the dilemma as consequential in both directions. Republicans who mirror Trump's optimism risk alienating voters who tell pollsters cost of living is their top concern, the outlet reported. Those who break from the president's framing risk appearing disloyal in a party where Trump remains dominant, according to the BBC. Florida, which Trump carried in three elections and which has not elected a Democratic governor since 1999, is no exception to the pressure, the outlet reported.

What happens before Nov. 3?

The BBC describes several congressional races as currently projected to be tight, raising the stakes for how candidates like Donalds calibrate their message between now and Election Day. No additional polling or candidate statements beyond those cited above were included in the reporting reviewed for this story.