Virginia Beach residents – a key constituency in the upcoming midterm elections – are grappling with everyday economic worries and the broader direction of the nation. The district, which President Trump carried by a razor‑thin margin in 2024, is represented by a Republican in the U.S. House, and local voters say the former president’s legacy will shape their choices at the polls.
Economic concerns dominate conversations
For Thea, a retired teacher who voted for Trump in 2020, the rising cost of groceries and rent is front‑and‑center. “I spend $50 a week on groceries, and that doesn’t get much,” she said. “Rent is going up. Inflation’s going up… You can’t even buy a pack of underwear for $2.50.”
An Associated Press poll released in September found that 69% of respondents believe President Trump’s handling of the cost of living is worse than expected, including 52% of self‑identified Republicans. While the poll does not provide a prior‑period comparison, the high level of dissatisfaction signals a potential challenge for GOP candidates who hope to ride Trump’s brand.
Trump’s direct appeal to voters
At the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas last month, President Trump urged supporters to “pretend I’m on the ticket” and help Republicans regain control of both chambers. “You’ve got to do this for me. You’ve got to pretend I’m on the ticket. I’m on the ticket,” he told the crowd.
Trump’s plea underscores the administration’s strategy of leveraging his base to boost down‑ballot Republicans, even though he is not on any ballot this cycle.
Analysts warn of a backlash
UVA Center for Politics director Larry Sabato cautioned that the president’s polarizing presence could hurt the GOP’s chances. “A good deal of the Democratic vote is being generated by opposition to President Trump and opposition to his policies, especially high gas prices, high diesel prices,” Sabato said.
Political analyst Todd Belt echoed the concern, noting that “Donald Trump’s popularity is still going down as public approval numbers are really cratering, and that’s a real problem for him and his party.” Belt pointed to political science research showing that a president’s declining approval often drags down his party’s electoral prospects.
Voter sentiment on the ground
Anthony Brown, a Virginia voter, expressed uncertainty about his past support for Trump. “I did support him, actually, I did, but… it’s kind of looking like, did I make a mistake? Depending how the war goes… that might affect November,” he said, referencing the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Other Republicans remain steadfast. Earl, a Virginia Beach voter, told reporters, “I’ll vote individually in the midterms because he’s not on the ballot for sure, but I am a Republican and will probably go that way.”
Meanwhile, some voters are shifting focus to local issues. Juan Jorge, a small‑business owner, said, “I’m more concerned about our local electives. They’re the ones who are going to make, you know, the changes for us.”
Rhonda Nichols, a Kentucky voter who identifies as Republican but not a die‑hard, summed up a growing sentiment: “Typically, I am Republican, but I’m not a die‑hard, have‑to‑vote‑Republican.” Her husband Stuart added, “It really just comes down to the candidates and stuff and who appeals to us the most, so I don’t have a problem voting either side.”
What the numbers say
A recent NPR poll found that 45% of voters say their choice for Congress will be a vote against the president, while only 24% say it will be a vote for him. The poll highlights a split among the electorate, with a sizable portion using the midterms as a referendum on Trump’s influence.
As the November election draws near, Virginia Beach’s mixed messages – economic anxiety, foreign‑policy concerns, and divergent loyalty to the Republican brand – will likely make the district a bellwether for how former Trump supporters navigate a political landscape where the former president is no longer on the ballot.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
