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Donald Trump’s campaign promise was that he would lower grocery prices “on day one.” Instead, he’s raised costs, shaken small businesses, and unleashed fear in workplaces across the country. Election Day 2025 was a resounding response to his failures. 

On Tuesday, voters from coast to coast cast their ballots for the Democratic message: affordability, availability, accessibility.

In the New Jersey and Virginia governor’s races, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger emphasized the economic challenges confronting residents – particularly in Virginia, where the long-term government shutdown has continued to cause real harm. 

Governor Maura Healey, commenting on the two gubernatorial victories, said:

“By electing Mikie Sherill and Abigail Spanberger, voters proved that they want strong Democratic leaders who are going to tackle affordability. Both of these exceptional women are going to get to work every single day to put people first, lower costs, and make people’s lives easier.”

At a press briefing evaluating the results of the November 4th elections, which produced Democratic wins across the country, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin underscored that “affordability” was the defining message and that the Party will focus on an economic agenda centered on lowering costs for working families. 

Democratic Governors Association Executive Director Meghan Meehan-Draper echoed that message, promising that Democrats will be “laser-focused” on affordability and availability. 

Basic household prices continue to rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of living increased by about 3.3% in Massachusetts. 

The Commonwealth Beacon reported on November 3rd, 2025, that Massachusetts’ unemployment rate has climbed to 4.8%, half a percentage point higher than the national average. 

Trump’s tariffs have imposed additional supply-side costs on small businesses. On a WGBH program, the owner of a small, family-owned fabric store, which relies on imported materials from China, India, and Indonesia, described how rising tariffs are driving up prices for both businesses and consumers. 

Across the small business community, the impacts are widespread:

• Candy Stores face steep tariffs on chocolate imports.
• Restaurants are struggling to afford food and supplies. 
• Toy stores and specialty shops are being squeezed by higher costs and shrinking margins.

The economic future is increasingly grim for small, independent businesses across the country. 

Meanwhile, according to an article in the Commonwealth Beacon, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts reported that the federal shutdown and Trump’s tariffs are undermining business confidence. 

At the same time, small businesses, already challenged by higher supply costs, are being forced to lay off workers. Higher prices are forcing families to scale back purchases and restaurant dining. 

And in communities across Massachusetts, workers face a new layer of fear and instability: ICE raids.

As reported by Boston.com, a recent raid on a car wash in Allston led to the detention of nine workers. Similar raids have targeted landscaping companies, restaurants, and construction sites, disrupting local economies and tearing communities apart. 

On Wednesday, November 5th, the United States Supreme Court heard challenges to Donald Trump’s arbitrary tariff policies. Representing a coalition of businesses, Neal Katyal argued that the president has overstepped powers that belong exclusively to Congress.

Mr. Katyal reminded the Court that tariffs are, in essence, taxes — and under the Constitution, only Congress has the authority to set them. While the president may impose tariffs in limited, emergency circumstances, none of those conditions exist today.

Trump’s trade agenda doesn’t just raise costs for families; it violates the balance of power enshrined in our Constitution. 

Paid for by the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee

Massachusetts Democratic Party
11 Beacon St
Suite 410
Boston, MA 02108
United States

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