North Carolina voters expect gridlock if Democrats win Congress
A focus group of swing voters in a key battleground state says they are skeptical that a divided government will lower prices or pass major legislation.
By Rebecca Lewis ·
Voters in North Carolina who supported Joe Biden in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024 are largely pessimistic about the prospect of a Democratic-controlled Congress next year. A new focus group conducted by messaging firm Engagious and market research firm Nelson Recruiting found that these swing voters have low expectations for what Democrats can achieve while Trump remains in the White House.
The sessions, part of the Swing Voter Project, took place on Tuesday night with 14 participants. Twelve of the voters said they believe little will happen for the next two years. Steven, a 32-year-old independent, predicted that Trump would veto anything reaching his desk because the House and Senate majorities are not veto-proof. He stated that this dynamic means literally nothing will happen for the next two years.
The group included 10 self-identified independents, three Republicans, and one Democrat. Almost all participants said they disapprove of Trump's job performance. Many viewed the recent Democratic wins as a signal that voters want change. However, they doubted Congress could effect that change once Democrats take control of both chambers in January. Rich Thau, president of Engagious, moderated the groups and noted that voters expect Trump to be a major obstacle.
Thau said voters also worry that Democrats will focus too much on investigations rather than economic relief. The participants specifically want Democrats to remove tariffs, lower the cost of everyday goods, and stop the war in Iran, which they blame for rising gas prices. Rick, a 63-year-old Republican, expressed concern that investigations would distract from helping people who cannot afford gas and healthcare.
Deborah, a 56-year-old independent, argued that Democrats have tried to hold Trump accountable for years without finding proof. She suggested the party let it go and move on. Kristen, a 38-year-old independent, added that the process wastes taxpayer money. Steve, a 39-year-old independent, described the investigations as political brinksmanship where parties butt heads each cycle.
Despite voting for Trump in 2024, most of these voters are not fans of him. They expect him to block Democratic efforts. Coronda, a 45-year-old Democrat, said Trump is stubborn and will not compromise. Steven expects Democrats will introduce bills mainly for show but does not expect any to be signed into law. He believes Trump will not let anything pass to avoid giving credit to Democrats.
Thau said these voters are setting their expectations low to avoid disappointment. They are going in clear-eyed, expecting the president and the new congressional majority to not get along.
