AARP Pennsylvania has released its first 2024 election survey, revealing that women aged 50 and older are poised to be a decisive force in the upcoming elections. With nearly one-third of likely voters overall and more than half of likely voters aged 50 and older, these women could significantly influence the election outcome.
The poll shows that Pennsylvania women 50+ are narrowly favoring President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump by 48% to 47%. In the U.S. Senate race, they prefer Senator Bob Casey over Dave McCormick by an 11-point margin. The survey highlights key issues that matter most to these voters: immigration and border security, inflation and rising prices, and reproductive issues. Social Security and the economy are also top priorities.
Key Concerns and Voting Influence
Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, emphasized the critical role of these voters: “At AARP, we know that the election is coming at a time when women 50+ are worried and feeling stretched to the limit. With inflation and the rising costs of living squeezing Pennsylvania households, women are feeling the pinch directly. But women 50+ consistently vote, and their message is clear: candidates need to understand and provide solutions to the issues that are significantly impacting their lives.”
The survey indicates that women 50+ are particularly concerned about utilities (51%), food (48%), and healthcare/prescription drugs (44%). Among suburban women voters, healthcare/prescription drugs and food prices are the most pressing concerns, tied at 51%, followed by utilities at 47%. These issues resonate across party lines, with majorities of Democratic and Republican women 50+ identifying them as critical.
Support for Candidates Who Address Key Issues
The poll reveals strong support for U.S. Senate candidates who prioritize certain policies:
- 92% are more likely to vote for a candidate who ensures workers receive the Social Security they have paid into.
- 81% favor candidates dedicated to providing support for family caregivers.
- 77% support candidates advocating for paid leave for unpaid family caregivers.
Additionally, 67% of women voters 50 and older believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, aligning closely with the 68% of likely voters 50+ who share this sentiment.
Survey Methodology
AARP commissioned a bipartisan team from Fabrizio Ward & Impact Research to conduct the survey, interviewing 1,398 likely Pennsylvania voters, including a representative sample of 600 likely voters and an oversample of 470 voters aged 50 and older, along with an additional oversample of 328 Black voters aged 50 and older. The interviews were conducted from April 24-30, 2024, via landline, cellphone, and SMS-to-web, with a margin of sampling error of ±4.0% for the statewide sample and ±3.5% for the 50+ sample.
For the full survey results, visit AARP Pennsylvania Polling.
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP advocates for health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. The organization also provides trusted news and information through its publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, visit AARP Pennsylvania Votes. Read more about the influence of women aged 50 and older on the election in the blog by Nancy LeaMond and Nora Dowd Eisenhower: “Women Age 50-plus are the Voters to Watch in Pennsylvania.”
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For more reporting on this topic, see our Senior Care news hub.