Undecided voters in Iowa and Georgia, two pivotal states for the upcoming Senate races, are expressing significant anxiety about the economy and high costs, according to focus group discussions conducted by Syracuse University and the research firms Engagious and Sago, as reported by NBC News [1]. Participants cited persistent issues such as the high cost of living, inflation, and rising prices for essentials like food and gas. Patty O., a 59-year-old Georgia Republican, stated, 'Nothing has gotten better as far as the cost of living, inflation — food is astronomical, gas. The cost of living is so high right now' [1].
The focus groups consisted of twelve undecided voters: six independents, five Republicans, and one Democrat. Nine had voted for Donald Trump in 2024, while three supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Notably, all but three participants reported feeling more anxious about the economy now than when Trump returned to office, and eight believed Trump is not focused enough on economic issues [1].
Economic concerns are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming midterm elections, with all but one participant indicating that the economy will be a major factor in their voting decisions. Rich Thau of Engagious, who moderated the sessions, emphasized, 'Among these undecided voters, pervasive economic anxiety is the animating issue in the midterms — not Iran, not immigration, not Israel/Gaza' [1].
Eight of the twelve undecided voters expressed disapproval of Trump’s job performance during his second term, with criticism centering on his handling of the economy. Jamie G., a 55-year-old Iowa independent, remarked that Trump’s tariffs have acted 'like a tax on things for the American people,' and accused him of prioritizing 'vanity projects' over addressing real economic problems [1]. However, those who approved of Trump’s tenure cited his immigration policies as a positive aspect [1].
With less than three months until the midterm elections, these undecided voters remain uncertain about their Senate choices, but economic issues are poised to be the dominant factor influencing their decisions [1].
CONCLUSION
The focus group findings highlight that economic anxiety and dissatisfaction with current conditions are driving voter sentiment in key Senate races. With the economy set to be the primary issue for undecided voters, candidates’ positions and perceived effectiveness on economic matters will likely be decisive in the 2026 midterms.