In a five-day series exploring the priorities of voters in swing states like North Carolina for the upcoming presidential election, the focus is on economic challenges facing residents. In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the city is slowly building itself back after years of decline, with historic buildings being redeveloped and new businesses opening. However, many residents are struggling to cover basic costs like groceries, housing, and childcare.
Residents like Tameika Horne, who owns an ice cream shop, are feeling the crunch of rising prices and stagnant sales. Housing costs have also skyrocketed, making it difficult for many middle-class families to afford homes or apartments. The economy, a top issue for voters in any election, is particularly crucial in this presidential cycle.
Political science professor Matt Grossmann emphasized that voters’ perception of the national economy plays a significant role in their decisions at the polls. As the election nears, voters in swing states like North Carolina are feeling the strain of rising costs and stagnant wages.
Both Democratic and Republican business owners in downtown Rocky Mount express concerns about the economy and the upcoming election. While some see signs of revival in the city’s development projects, others worry about the impact of current economic policies on their businesses. The future of Rocky Mount and other swing states may well depend on how candidates address voters’ economic anxieties and offer solutions to affordability challenges in housing and daily essentials.
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