One result that was really consistent across states in exit polling, however, is that people are feeling the cost of living. Like it or not, inflation is growing faster than wages again. And yes, tariffs are playing a role, but not the only role. Republicans promised they’d lower grocery prices, and grocery prices are on the rise. It’s not a coincidence that coffee prices and banana prices are showing up repeatedly in stories about grocery prices going up. The President has placed a big tariff on the countries from which we get those things. Yes, Republicans, the economy still matters, and, contrary to the President, tariffs are hurting people. Also, I need to add that some Republicans will say candidates no longer matter because if Jason Miyares can lose, because it is now just “D” v “R,” we ought to go for broke. But actually, Mamdani could have lost to a better candidate than Cuomo. Miyares could have won with a better candidate than Sears at the top of the ticket. It is why, in a state like South Carolina, voters should commit Nancy Mace to a mental health facility instead of the party’s nomination for Governor next year, and GOP candidates across the country must be on their A game at all times. Certainly, the press and Democrats will read far more into last night’s results than is there, but Republicans must read into the results their party’s inability to turn out votes on just brand awareness or supporting Trump. And, frankly, in some states, identifying with Trump instead of building one’s own name and brand is not a winning strategy. ewerickson.substack.com/p/la…