Featured Post from University of Massachusetts Amherst

Is Government Corruption Becoming a Defining Issue in the Midterm Elections?

As Americans prepare to vote November 3, UMass Amherst political scientist Ray La Raja examines how concerns about corruption, government fraud and the economy are shaping the political debate.

Oct 28, 2026

2 min

With the U.S. midterm elections just days away, concerns about government corruption are emerging as an important issue for voters, raising questions about how Americans define corruption, whom they hold responsible and how those perceptions could influence their decisions at the ballot box.

In an Oct. 26 interview featured on NPR's All Things Considered, Ray La Raja, professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and co-director of the UMass Amherst Poll, discussed growing public concern about corruption and the competing political narratives surrounding the Trump administration's efforts to combat fraud.

The segment, The Trump Administration Is Taking on Fraud Ahead of the Midterm Elections, reported by NPR's Emily Feng, examined President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance's efforts to make government fraud and abuse a central policy focus ahead of the elections.

La Raja, who surveyed Americans about corruption in September, found widespread concern about the issue, consistent with other national polling showing that nearly nine in ten Americans are worried about government corruption.

"I believe this is pretty much off the charts," La Raja told NPR, emphasizing the extent of public concern.

He also highlighted the connection between corruption and the economic issues that traditionally motivate voters."But it's especially powerful when people are already upset about the issue that usually motivates voters, and that's the economy."

View his profile

His research reveals important differences in how Democrats and Republicans perceive the problem.

While Democrats overwhelmingly identify the presidency as a source of corruption, Republicans tend to view corruption as a more systemic problem involving government bureaucracy and fraudulent claims against federal programs.

His research offers valuable insight into how political messaging, public trust, economic anxiety and partisan perceptions intersect during a consequential election.

An expert in American politics, elections, polling, political parties, campaign finance and political reform, La Raja brings extensive research experience to questions about voter attitudes, democratic accountability and the forces influencing political participation.

With the midterm elections approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Ray La Raja is available to speak with journalists seeking expert analysis of government corruption, voter concerns, political messaging, public opinion and the issues shaping the 2026 elections.

To arrange an interview with La Raja, click on his ExpertFile profile below.

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Ray La Raja

Professor of Political Science / Co-Director of UMass Poll

Ray La Raja's research interests include political parties, interest groups, elections, campaign finance and political participation.

Public Policy and OrganizationsElections and PollingPolitical ScienceCampaign FinanceAmerican Politics

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