Delgado Leads Faso 43%-36%, Brindisi Leads Tenney 48%-35% Among 50+: AARP Polls

AARP-Commissioned Surveys Show 19^th and 22^nd District 50+ Voters United in Concern Over Health Care Costs, Social Security, Medicare

ALBANY, N.Y. – Challengers Antonio Delgado and Anthony Brindisi hold leads over incumbents John Faso and Claudia Tenney among voters 50 and older in the nationally-watched races to represent New York’s 19 ^th and 22 ^nd congressional districts, according to new AARP-commissioned polls.

The polls also show 50-plus voters in both districts are united, across party lines, in their concern over healthcare costs – especially rising prescription drug prices - and the future of Social Security and Medicare.

“With five weeks to go before Election Day, candidates in New York would be wise to listen to the state’s most powerful voting group: 50-plus voters,” said AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel. “History shows older voters turn out in force, and AARP is seeking to ensure issues of particular importance to older voters are front and center – issue like Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug costs, and family caregiving.”

Both polls by Alan Newman Research surveyed 610 registered voters and have a margin of error of 4 percentage points. View full survey results here.  

The surveys are part of AARP’s “Be the Difference. Vote” campaign designed to encourage older Americans to make their voices heard at the ballot box this fall. For more information on AARP’s “Be The Difference. Vote” campaign and to pledge to vote in this year’s elections, go to www.aarp.org/vote.

AARP does not endorse candidates or make contributions to political parties, political campaigns or candidates.  

NY 19

Challenger Antonio Delgado leads incumbent John Faso 43% to 36% among voters 50 and over in the race to represent New York’s 19 ^th Congressional District, with 7% supporting another candidate and 13% undecided.

Nearly 40% of 50-plus independent voters support Democrat Delgado vs. 30% for Republican Faso. Green Party candidate Steven Greenfield and independent candidate Diane Neal will also be on the November 6 ballot.

According to the survey, 77% of 50-plus voters worry often about how divided America and Americans have become, while majorities disapprove of the job performances of Congressional Republicans (61%), Congressional Democrats (55%) and President Trump (54%).

The poll shows that among 50-plus voters in the 19 ^th District:

• 94% think Medicare is very important for people’s health in retirement, and 84% agree Congress should make changes to ensure the program can continue to cover hospital benefits as it does now beyond 2029.
• 84% believe it is unfair to deny coverage or make those with pre-existing conditions pay more for their health care.
• 81% do not agree with allowing insurance companies to charge older people up to five times more for health insurance.
• 77% feel candidates’ positions on rising prescription drug costs are very important to them, and 71% believe drug companies have a lot of influence over members of Congress.
• 89% say Social Security is very important for financial security in retirement, and 68% believe the government should do something immediately to strengthen Social Security
• 89% support providing an income tax credit to family caregivers.

The survey of the 19 ^th District, which includes all of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster counties and parts of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery and Rensselaer counties, was conducted between September 6-16.

NY 22

Challenger Anthony Brindisi leads incumbent Claudia Tenney 48% to 35% among voters 50 and over in the race to represent New York’s 22 ^nd Congressional District.

The survey found 51% of 50-plus independent voters support Democrat Brindisi vs. 29% for Republican Tenney, while 16% of all respondents are undecided.

According to the survey, 75% of 50-plus voters worry often about how divided America and Americans have become. Majorities disapprove of the job performances of both Congressional Republicans (54%) and Congressional Democrats (56%), while 49% disapprove of President Trump’s performance vs. 42% who approve.

The poll shows that among 50-plus voters in the 22 ^nd District:

• 93% think Medicare is very important for people’s health in retirement, and 88% agree Congress should make changes to ensure the program can continue to cover hospital benefits as it does now beyond 2029.
• 86% believe it is unfair to deny coverage or make those with pre-existing conditions pay more for their health care.
• 85% do not agree with allowing insurance companies to charge older people up to five times more for health insurance.
• 77% feel candidates’ positions on rising prescription drug costs are very important to them, and 67% believe drug companies have a lot of influence over members of Congress.
• 88% say Social Security is very important for financial security in retirement, and 76% believe the government should do something immediately to strengthen Social Security
• 89% support providing an income tax credit to family caregivers.

The survey of the 22 ^nd District, which includes all of Oneida, Madison, Chenango and Cortland counties and parts of Broome, Herkimer, Oswego and Tioga counties, was conducted September 7-17.

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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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 nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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