Voters interviewed across the United States said affordability, President Donald Trump and his administration’s immigration crackdown influenced their choices in the Midterm elections, while others focused on schools, taxes and local concerns.
In Maine, Todd Cox, a 63-year-old technology professional who had backed Republican Senator Susan Collins in two previous elections, voted for her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson. He said he was concerned about the country’s direction, citing affordability, the war in Iran and what he described as disregard for the rule of law.
Maple Razsa, a professor in Waterville, said she was concerned about immigration raids in Portland. At a polling station in the city, organizers reported queues of up to 30 minutes. The report also described lines forming in key states including Texas.
Voters expressed support for Republicans as well. One Maine voter, who declined to give his name, said he voted a straight Republican ticket and was not ready to abandon Israel. In Georgia, attorney David Boy said he voted Republican despite disliking Trump, explaining that he prioritized schools, taxes, faith, integrity and effective government.
Other voters said Trump motivated them to support Democrats. Georgia engineer Jason Griffin said the president had influenced his decision. An independent voter in Iowa, Stacey, said she backed Democrats across the ballot, citing what she called Republican “empty promises” and a lack of common sense. She also pointed to economic pressures on young families.
In Michigan, Republican voter Sona cited concerns about abortion and transgender athletes in women’s sports, as well as wages and high electricity bills. In New Hampshire, independent voter Rebecca Connors said she voted heavily Democratic to send Trump a message. She also pointed to the cost of living and said elected officials should act as checks and balances on the president.
Views were divided in Alaska, too. Republican voter John House said Trump had done a lot for the country despite talking too much, and rejected voting for Democrats. Chaunice Carr, 27, supported Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola, saying she hoped the election could help address violence and deportations.
Juanita Cupa, another Peltola voter, said rising prices had made life difficult. She spends $120 every two weeks on fuel for her truck and has moved back in with her parents. Cupa also criticized Trump’s rhetoric and leadership. She said controversy over a reported effort to recruit a candidate named Dan Sullivan, which Peltola denied knowing about, had brought “a lot of foolishness” from both sides.
The elections put all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats in play, along with 39 governorships and thousands of state legislative contests. Democrats needed a net gain of three House seats to win a majority and four Republican-held Senate seats, while retaining their own, to take control of the Senate.
Sources: The Guardian World.