A recent grassroots survey suggests that Republicans hold a narrow lead over Democrats on cost-of-living issues among swing voters in eight key states, according to Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a conservative advocacy group. The survey, conducted in late September, found that 44% of respondents believed Republicans were more likely to reduce living costs, compared to 39% who favored Democrats. Sixteen percent of those surveyed said neither party was likely to address the issue effectively.

The findings come as affordability remains a top concern for voters nationwide, particularly ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Polling on economic issues has often reflected a mixed picture, with some surveys showing Democrats with a stronger hold on the electorate’s perception of the economy and cost-of-living challenges. For instance, a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College indicated an eight-point advantage for Democrats on this issue.

AFP’s survey sampled 24,089 voters across Alaska, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The majority of responses were collected through door-to-door canvassing, targeting individuals identified as swing voters—those considered undecided or open to shifting support between parties. The group did not provide a margin of error for the survey results.

Despite the partisan variations in survey outcomes, the consensus across multiple polls underscores affordability as a pivotal factor influencing voter sentiment. Political analysts interpret these concerns as a potential vulnerability for the party currently in power, underscoring the importance of economic messaging in the campaigns ahead. The AFP findings suggest that, at least among certain voter segments in battleground states, Republicans may be capitalizing on the issue more effectively than some recent polls have indicated.