How the economy flipped from a red to blue issue, according to exit polls

A Navy veteran, an ex-member of Congress and a self-avowed democratic socialist won resounding victories in high-profile races on Tuesday – all carrying the banner of the Democratic party and each addressing widespread concern about affordability. Despite varied biographies, top-of-the-ballot Democrats across New Jersey, Virginia and New York City each prevailed in contests before electorates who ranked the economy or cost of living as a top issue, according to exit polls conducted by ABC News. The bread-and-butter advantage among Democratic nominees marked a sharp turnabout from the presidential election a year ago, when widespread discontent over inflation helped fuel the success of President Donald Trump and the Republican control of Congress. Roughly half of Virginia voters on Tuesday