| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2025 Contact: [email protected] New Poll: Virginia Voters Say Tariffs Are Driving Prices Higher and Hurting American Consumers More Likely to Support Candidates Who Oppose Tariffs As the Trump Administration continues to implement across-the-board tariffs and Virginia voters are heading to the polls for the Gubernatorial and key House of Delegates races, Tariffs Cost US announced the results of a new survey conducted by nonpartisan pollster Morning Consult. Virginia voters across party lines are feeling the effects of inflation and are deeply concerned about how tariffs will further raise prices and hurt the economy. The data show strong majorities expect higher prices, slower job growth, and a more difficult environment for small businesses. As a result, Virginia voters, including an overwhelming margin of independents, are weighing a candidates’ position on tariffs when voting. Key findings include: ● 89% of voters are somewhat or very concerned about inflation, including 84% of independents. ● Among the most impacted categories of household spending, 84% say the cost of groceries is going up; 80% say the cost of housing is going up. ● 84% of independents think costs will continue to go up because tariffs are being implemented. As a result, Virginians are pulling back: ● 75% say they are trying to spend less money and 61% say they are avoiding large purchases because of the impact from the tariffs announced earlier this year. ● 63% say the worst is yet to come. Expecting more costs ahead, less jobs. Despite a concerted effort to spin tariffs as being paid for by other countries, Virginians understand tariffs cost us: ● 74% of voters – including 70% of independents – say American consumers, businesses and farmers are being hurt the most by tariffs versus 12% foreign countries. Tariffs are playing a major role in the November 4th election for Governor with 51% of Virginia voters more likely to support a candidate for Governor who opposed tariffs, including a more than 3 to 1 margin among self-identified independents. Looking to next year’s congressional races, 54% are more likely to support a candidate for Congress who opposed tariffs. The survey of 700 registered voters was fielded October 9–12, 2025, and has a margin of error of ±4 percentage points. To read the full findings of the survey, click here. What the candidates are saying: Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), Democratic nominee for governor: “The Trump Administration’s reckless and chaotic trade policies have caused uncertainty and harm to Virginia businesses and our economy for months. And today, Virginia families will start feeling the impact of what is effectively a tax hike… these reckless tariffs are doing nothing to make life more affordable.” Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican nominee for governor: “I understand that tariffs can hurt. But I think Trump is crazy like a fox… these countries shaped up… And I think that’s good! And it’s to our benefit after all.” ### Tariffs Cost US is a new campaign dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. |
