Pennsylvania is often referred to as the most important state in the 2024 election. To win the Keystone State, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris must address the concerns that have been consistently raised by the people – the skyrocketing cost of living. It's not just the price of homes or groceries that's the issue, but the overall sense that life is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

For years, Pennsylvanians have been telling the same story: the cost of living is out of control. Homebuyers can't afford the homes they want, workers are struggling to make ends meet, and small business partners are facing increased costs. The message is clear – life is unaffordable, and it's getting worse.

Recent surveys by the Commonwealth Foundation have consistently shown that Pennsylvanians name "inflation" and "cost of living" as their top concerns. It's no wonder – wages are stagnant, and prices are soaring. As voters head to the polls, they're looking for a leader who can give them relief.

Both Trump and Harris are trying to address this concern. Trump's record in his first administration shows that he knows how to boost the economy and keep inflation low. But Harris has a harder road ahead, as her administration's policies have contributed to the crisis. Her promises to address price gouging and expand entitlements have been met with skepticism, as these measures have failed to bring down costs in the past.

Energy is a key part of the solution. Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the country, and when the state is pumping at full throttle, costs inevitably go down. Natural gas leads to lower utility bills, lower prices of groceries and everyday goods, and more affordable housing materials. Furthermore, it's essential to making energy more affordable, which is crucial to voters' decision at the ballot box.

Will either candidate seize this opportunity? Harris has a difficult time convincing voters that she'll bring down costs, as her administration has banned liquified natural gas exports and killed the Keystone XL Pipeline. Trump must articulate how his policies will benefit working families, especially in Central and Western Pennsylvania.

Winning the election won't depend solely on energy alone, but it will play a significant role in the larger debate over skyrocketing prices and plummeting opportunity and optimism. The candidate who can convince Pennsylvanians that they'll get cost-of-living under control will surely win the state.

The Affordable Future: How Energy Can Win Over Pennsylvanians

Actions