Edwin Robasco, a former truck driver and Teamsters union member from Boston who recently moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, is now supporting former President Donald Trump despite being a long-time Democrat. Robasco expressed concerns about the influx of illegal immigrants and the lack of resources to take care of them.
Many North Carolinians, including Robasco, shared their voting intentions and the factors influencing their decisions with The Epoch Times. The state’s 15 electoral votes are crucial for both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who was his opponent in the 2020 election.
‘The Economy and the Border’
During interviews with voters from both parties, the state of the economy and the border crisis emerged as top concerns. Residents like Al Smith, a small business owner in Greensboro, cited issues with migration as a reason for supporting Trump.
Smith expressed concerns about the impact of illegal immigration on wages and job availability for U.S. workers. Others, like Logan Prince, a business owner, highlighted the financial strain caused by the influx of illegal immigrants and the need for better vetting and support systems.
Even supporters of Harris acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal immigration while recognizing the contributions of immigrant populations to local businesses.
On the economic front, voters in North Carolina voiced worries about inflation, rising fuel prices, and the overall economic performance under the Biden administration. Disappointment with the current economic situation has led many to lean towards supporting Trump for his perceived focus on addressing these issues.
Rev. Rick Baker, a pastor in Mint Hill, noted the financial struggles faced by his congregation and the negative impact of economic policies on their daily lives. Even Harris supporters, like Camila White, expressed concerns about housing prices and the cost of living.
Some voters felt that Harris has not been clear enough about her economic plans, prompting calls for clearer communication and more detailed proposals from the Democratic candidate.
I hope she hasn’t reached her peak too soon.
“That would be a good start,” Rashid said when asked what Harris must do to earn her support. “There’s a big community that I think are in agreement on that subject,” she said.
