Working Class Redefined: AI Reshapes Office Work as 2026 Midterms Loom

The definition of what constitutes America's "working class" is shifting dramatically, driven by economic strain and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on white-collar employment. In early 2026, 60% of U.S. adults now identify as working class, up from 54% in 2024—a striking shift that includes half of college graduates and even those earning above $155,000 annually. This redefinition coincides with one of the most disruptive periods in the modern labor market, as AI-driven automation increasingly threatens the office jobs that once defined economic security.