Survey reveals that at least 35 percent of Americans across key swing states are struggling to cover household expenses.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse survey, conducted between June 25 and July 22, surveyed over 70,000 households, highlighting the financial strain many feel under the Biden-Harris administration.
Five key battleground states—Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada—reported a high percentage of residents struggling to meet basic expenses.
In Pennsylvania, 35.1 percent of respondents said they had difficulty covering typical household costs. This economic pressure coincides with 40-year-high inflation rates, which have been a major point of concern since Biden took office.
The economic setting in Pennsylvania is clearly affecting voter priorities, as a CNN/SSRS poll found that 40 percent of Keystone State voters list the economy as their most important issue, far ahead of other concerns like “protecting democracy.”
Georgia, where former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are polling closely, showed even starker results.
More than 40 percent of Georgians are having difficulty balancing their budgets, putting the state among the top ten for financial distress. The CNN/SSRS poll reflects this, with 43 percent of Georgia voters identifying the economy as their top concern.
In Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada, the struggle continues. Nearly 39.4 percent of Arizonans, 36 percent of Michiganders, and 38.5 percent of Nevadans reported difficulty covering expenses.
The CNN/SSRS poll confirmed that in these states, the economy is the dominant issue among voters, with a significant portion of the electorate placing it above all other topics.
Virginia, a typically Democratic-leaning state, also saw 35 percent of respondents struggling financially. While Virginia was not included in the CNN poll, the Harris campaign is now being forced to defend its standing in this key state.
Voters’ trust in leadership to address these economic concerns seems to favor Trump, according to the CNN/SSRS poll, which sampled voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Trump leads Harris on the economy by significant margins, including a 15-point lead in Arizona and a 16-point lead in Nevada. The economic difficulties being experienced by many are a key factor driving this sentiment.
The state of the economy remains top-of-mind for voters, especially in battleground regions where financial struggles are prevalent.