It’s The Economy, Say Voters In Swing State Nevada

As November approaches, voters in Nevada are placing a significant emphasis on economic concerns, particularly in Las Vegas, a city often labeled “America’s playground.” While tourism and entertainment thrive, the daily struggles of locals paint a different picture. High costs of living are a central issue, and those who serve drinks, wait tables, and deal cards are demanding solutions. In a tightly contested race, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris are neck-and-neck, making Nevada a critical battleground state.

Economic Discontent in Las Vegas

Sally Uribe is a 40-year-old waitress who once enjoyed lucrative nights working in a casino. Today, she represents a growing group of Nevadans facing economic hardship. “When Trump was president, I only worked 40 hours a week, if that,” she shares after an early morning shift. Now, as a single mother of three, she holds three different jobs just to survive. According to Uribe, rising costs have strained her finances significantly. “I have to pay more in interest. I have to pay more for gas. I also have to pay more for groceries. Everything just went skyrocket(ing),” she lamented.

Uribe credits her struggles to the Democrats and expresses trust in Trump’s promises to lower prices and increase wages. Her sentiments reflect a broader trend in Nevada, where economic dissatisfaction has become a powerful voting motivator.

Campaign Promises That Resonate

Spencer Lindsay, a hotel worker and campaigner for Kamala Harris, acknowledges a similar concern among voters. He points out that discussions about the cost of living—centered around medication, food, and fuel—are prevalent. This issue is compounded by the fact that the leisure and hospitality sector employs a quarter of the workforce in Nevada, particularly in Clark County, home to Las Vegas’s bustling economy.

Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, announced during a June visit to Las Vegas, has gained significant traction among service workers. Uribe, for instance, cites this as her favorite part of Trump’s platform. Lindsay, a member of a prominent culinary union, agrees, stating, “We do live on our tips. So for any candidate or political party to really win over Nevada, yes, take taxes off tips.” As the election draws closer, the candidates’ promises around economic policy will be vital in securing the state’s six Electoral College votes.

The Aftermath of the Pandemic

Las Vegas faced a drastic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of workers left jobless as the city came to a standstill. While life has gradually returned to normal, the scars from the shutdown persist. Nevada currently boasts the highest unemployment rate in the country at 5.6%, compared to the national average of 4.1%. Many locals continue to struggle to find stable employment.

Gallego Perez, who lost his job four years ago, reflects on his plight while waiting at a hardware store parking lot for odd jobs. He earns approximately $1,000 a month, only half the state’s median rent. “How would life change for us here?” he questions, emphasizing the disconnect between political promises and lived experiences.

Voter Perspectives and Political Polarization

Sam Mitchell, a former electrician who has faced unemployment, shares his perspective on how politics impacts individual lives. Having been self-reliant in the past, he identifies the need for governmental support now that his situation has deteriorated. “All it takes is one day, two days of being late, which is really easy to do on the bus, and you lose your job,” he states, illustrating the precariousness of his circumstances.

Despite the prevailing sentiment that the economy is the most pressing issue, not all viewpoints align with partisan interests. Bianca Garziola, a store manager, emphasizes the importance of personal gain over political outcomes. “At the end of the day, everything’s going to turn out the same,” she remarks, noting that products featuring Trump’s name are selling well in her store. “In the shirt business, Trump is winning the election,” she adds pragmatically.

Conclusion: The Economic Decision of a Battleground State

As Nevada heads toward the November election, economic conditions remain a central concern for many voters, especially those in the service industry. Both Trump and Harris aim to appeal to a population that has seen the impacts of rising costs firsthand. As opinions range from hopeful to skeptical, the choices made by Nevada’s electorate could significantly shape the nation’s economic trajectory in the years to come.