I’m a Pollster: 4 Economic Changes Harris Voters Are Looking For in 2025
Written by
Yaël Bizouati-Kennedy
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Vice President Kamala Harris rolled out her “Opportunity Economy” agenda on Aug. 16, which she has also been championing since the Sept. 10 presidential debate. But are these initiatives in line with what Harris voters are looking for?
“I believe in the ambition, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people. And that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy,” Harris said during the debate, as GOBankingRates previously reported.
Harris’ agenda tackles a wide range of economic issues, such as housing, lowering the cost of drugs and groceries, as well as tax breaks.
But what issues are pollsters seeing emerge in terms of what Harris voters themselves want? And do these align with Harris’ plans?
GOBankingRates spoke to a few pollsters, and here are the changes they say Harris voters are looking for in 2025.
They Are ‘Hungry’ for Bold Economic Action
According to Shannon-Janean Currie, vice president at consulting and strategic research firm BSG, research shows Harris voters are hungry for bold action on the economy. In addition, she noted that they are looking for leaders who understand the daily struggles of working families, which are “those being forced to make impossible choices, cutting back on essentials and taking on second jobs just to stay afloat.”
In turn, Currie noted that these voters want solutions on issues such as income inequality, affordable healthcare and good-paying jobs — in other words, an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.
“Policies like the America Forward tax credit, which would drive investment and job creation in key industries, could be a step in the right direction,” she said, adding that ultimately, there’s a real desire to see politicians put aside partisan gridlock and work together to deliver real, tangible economic progress for all Americans.
They Are Looking for Inflation To Come Down
As a pollster, Currie said that she found Americans are still feeling the squeeze of inflation every day.
“Our polling continues to show a staggering 64% of Black Americans rate the economy as ‘only fair’ or ‘poor,’ and a full two-thirds say that inflation and prices are getting worse,” she said, adding that people are cutting back on essentials and taking on second jobs just to stay afloat.
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Anika Dandekar, senior polling analyst at Data for Progress, echoed the sentiment, noting thatData for Progress consistently finds that the economy, jobs and inflation rank as the top issue among likely voters nationwide.
They Want the Ability To Afford Basic Necessities
Dandekar also said that while Americans are concerned about the direction of the economy, what “the economy” really means to voters is affording basic necessities, particularly groceries and housing, which is top of mind.
For instance, she said, voters overwhelmingly support Harris’ proposals to ban price gouging of food, 75% of voters support; cap out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, 75% of voters support, and build 3 million affordable homes and rental units nationwide, 80% support.
In addition, she said that Democrats back a $12 federal minimum wage with near-unanimous support.
“The broad consensus around these proposals may be why Harris has earned a slight trust advantage over Trump on these issues,” Dandekar said.
They Want a Clear Tax Plan — One That Won’t Hit Their Wallets
BSG’s Currie also noted that Harris voters, in particular, are paying close attention to how candidates plan to address taxes, trade and tariffs — issues with the potential to hit their wallets directly.
“They want to see a clear plan for easing the burden on working families, not just rhetoric,” she said.
In turn, she said that’s why the Rust Belt is so critical in this election, as these are states that were once at the heart of American manufacturing but have seen economic opportunities disappear for an entire generation due to outsourcing.
“Voters there want to know their concerns are being heard, and that their livelihoods are a priority,” she added. “Ultimately, they, and all Harris voters, are looking for a new direction on the economy and for leaders who will prioritize the needs of working families and offer real solutions to the challenges they face every day.”
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