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As the candidates for governor and U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania hit the campaign trail this summer, it would be wise for them to pay closer attention to voters 50+. Why? Because all indications point to Pennsylvania voters 50+ being 61% of the likely voting electorate, and that means they could be the deciders come November 8.
New research by AARP in partnership with pollsters Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research shows that the candidates are neck and neck. State Senator Doug Mastriano (R) and Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) are essentially tied in the governor's race among likely voters 50+ (48% – 47%). Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman (D) leads narrowly over Dr Mehmet Oz (R) (49% -- 46%) among voters 50+ in the U.S. Senate race.
So, what do Pennsylvania likely voters 50+ care most about right now? The famous 1992 presidential campaign phrase "it's the economy stupid" says it all. In our poll, voters 50+ cited inflation and rising costs as the issue that is personally most important to them in both the races for governor and senate. Only 31% of Pennsylvania likely voters 50+ say the economy is working well for them.
It's no wonder they feel this way. The inflation rate has reached its highest level since the 1980s, making it difficult for many older Americans here in Pennsylvania and across the country to afford basic necessities, such as prescription drugs and food. This is especially true for retirees on a fixed income and for the estimated two million hard-working Pennsylvanians who do not have access to a retirement plan through their job and thus have no financial savings to help cushion against any financial adversity.
The combination of high inflation and the lack of adequate retirement savings presents a challenge for older Pennsylvanians to achieve the financial resilience needed to adequately take control of their economic health and retirement planning.
Whomever is elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 will have the power to shape the economy and impact the financial security of older Pennsylvanians in major ways. A significant pain point is skyrocketing prescription drug prices. All Americans are paying three times more than in other countries for the same medicine. Big PhRMA has been ripping off seniors and taxpayers for decades and they are laughing all the way to the bank. Congress has the power to stop this outrage, reduce the burden of inflation and put money back in seniors' pockets by letting Medicare negotiate lower costs. Pennsylvanians deserve a senator who will stand up to Big PhRMA by supporting this common-sense proposal. In fact, our poll revealed that 90% of likely PA voters 50+ are more likely to vote for a candidate that would support allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prescription drug prices
While Pennsylvanians also deserve a governor who is willing to support and advance a range of administrative and legislative approaches to lower drug prices in the state, additional key findings of our poll also revealed that 50+ voters are more likely to vote for a candidate for governor who will protect low-income older Pennsylvanians from property tax increases (85%); create a retirement savings program -- Keystone Saves -- for 40% of Pennsylvania workers who do not have access to one through their employer (67%); and provide funding to allow seniors needing daily help to receive care at home rather than enter a more costly nursing home (87%).
Much is at stake in this mid-term election and the message is clear: if candidates want to win on Election Day, their fate will depend on their paying attention to the issues that matter to Pennsylvanians 50+. AARP wants to make sure all Pennsylvanians know how, when and where to vote. Our state voter guide information can be accessed at www.aarp.org/PAvotes and full poll results can be viewed at www.aarp.org/PA.
Bill Johnston-Walsh is the state director of AARP Pennsylvania