The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.2% in the second quarter of 2026, the Department of Commerce announced on Wednesday.

The Department previously estimated that figure at around 1.5%, meaning growth outperformed expectations, according to the Associated Press. Driving much of the uptick was a 3.8% hike in consumer spending, which could signal a general improvement in the nation's economic health.

While the data is far from a dramatic turnaround, it could prove a boon to Republicans ahead of the November midterms as polling shows the incumbent party losing ground with voters on the economy.

President Donald Trump's job approval on the economy currently stands at an average 33.4%, according to RealClearPolitics, while 62.9% disapprove of his handling of the issue.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.