NPR reported that 12 of 14 North Carolina focus group participants expect little economic relief from Congress, amid doubts about what lawmakers can do while President Donald Trump remains in office.
Participants named removing tariffs and lowering everyday expenses as priorities, NPR reported. Some also called for an end to the Iran war, which they said had driven up gasoline prices. They worried Trump could block legislation and that Democrats might focus on investigating his administration instead of household costs. Steven, 32, a self-described independent, told NPR, “I think realistically, it just means nothing's going to happen for the next two years.”
All 14 participants had voted for former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. The group included 10 independents, three Republicans and one Democrat. The sessions were part of the Swing Voter Project: Nelson Recruiting recruits participants, while Engagious runs the discussions. NPR cautioned that the small groups cannot show how North Carolina voters generally feel. EconoTimes previously covered NPR’s focus-group reporting on disillusionment among swing-state voters.
A separate national survey points to another concern for voters weighing Congress. The AP Voter Poll found that more than half considered government corruption crucial to their congressional vote, a slightly larger share than considered the cost of living crucial. SSRS interviewed more than 100,000 voters for the poll from Oct. 19 to Nov. 3; interviews began Oct. 19 in Alaska and Oct. 22 in other states.
The Associated Press called Democratic control of the Senate at 11:36 p.m. ET Nov. 3 and the House at 1:24 a.m. ET Nov. 4. A president can veto legislation, and U.S. House historical materials say overriding a veto requires two-thirds support in each chamber.
Under the constitutional schedule, the next Congress is due to convene at noon ET on Jan. 3, 2027. A law can change that date or time.
