Rising prices are dominating the minds of American voters just one week before the crucial midterm elections, but it may not change how they vote.
More than two dozen voters interviewed by Reuters across three key East Coast swing districts said gas and grocery bills are their number one concern.
This aligns with Reuters/Ipsos polling that shows cost of living as the most pressing issue ahead of the November 3 elections that will decide control of the House and Senate.
REPUBLICAN VOTERS STICK WITH PARTY DESPITE TARIFF PAIN
Surprisingly, economic pain is not translating into political punishment for Republicans.
Of ten voters who previously backed incumbent Republicans, eight said they will stick with them, despite inflation being driven up by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war pushing up energy costs.
“It hasn’t changed my opinion on anything,” said John Beers, 74, a Republican-leaning voter in New York’s 17th District. He complained of “staggering” grocery prices and admitted trading down to cheaper coffee, but still supports Republican Mike Lawler.
Fred McDonald, 71, a retired mechanic from Pennsylvania’s 7th District, said he has cut beef from his diet due to high prices but will still vote for Republican Ryan Mackenzie because he is “honest.”
WHY SENTIMENT NO LONGER PREDICTS VOTES
Analysts say voters have decoupled how they feel from how they act.
“Without a reliable picture of the future, people fall back on routine, habit, and loyalty,” said Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute.
She noted that even as consumer confidence has hit a 12-year low, US retail sales are up 4.7% this year. Consumers are trading down on essentials but still splurging on luxuries.
Control of the House will hinge on just a few dozen seats like NY-17, PA-7 and New Jersey’s 7th District, where races are within 2 points.
DEMOCRATS BANK ON URGENCY TO FLIP SEATS
Democrats are hoping economic frustration will drive higher turnout.
Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Democrats leading on a generic ballot, with voters blaming Trump for the economy.
“I have to be able to know I can eat,” said Carla Schiller, 67, a retired nurse in New Jersey who is switching from Republican to Democrat and now shops at Aldi to save money.
For many like Joanice Patino, 49, a nurse in New York whose gas costs have soared to $4.29 a gallon nationally, the strain is real: “Before, we could save something. Now we cannot save anything.”
She plans to vote Democrat, hoping for change.
