Focus groups: Deep anxiety about the economy drives undecided voters in two key Senate races
Focus groups in Iowa and Georgia reveal that undecided voters are primarily driven by economic anxiety and the high cost of living. These voters express dissatisfaction with the current economic climate, which is expected to be a decisive factor in upcoming Senate races.
Why it matters
Understanding the concerns of undecided voters in key swing states is critical for predicting the outcome of the US midterm elections.
Concerns about the economy and high costs are driving the thinking of undecided voters in Iowa and Georgia, according to new focus group conversations, as two states that will be central to the fight for the Senate barrel toward Election Day. “Nothing has gotten better as far as the cost of living, inflation — food is astronomical, gas,” said Patty O., a 59-year-old Georgia Republican who voted for Donald Trump in 2024. “The cost of living is so high right now.” Patty was among a dozen voters up for grabs in two Senate races who participated this week in focus groups produced by Syracuse University and the research firms Engagious and Sago and observed by NBC News. The group comprised six independents, five Republicans and one Democrat. Nine voted for Trump for president two years ago, when he won both states, while three supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in