# South Carolina shrimpers weigh costs, vote in crucial US midterms

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/south-carolina-shrimpers-weigh-costs-vote-in-crucial-us-midterms/
- Published: 2026-11-03T17:22:45+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T18:06:52+00:00
- Original publisher: Al Jazeera (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/3/south-carolina-shrimpers-weigh-costs-vote-in-crucial-us-midterms?traffic_source=rss
- Topics: Americas, Elections, Politics, World

## Key points

- Shrimpers cite rising costs and NOAA cuts as election concerns.
- Fuel prices are a major pressure on South Carolina fishing.
- Coastal voters hold differing views on the midterms.

## Summary

South Carolina shrimpers are weighing economic pressures and concerns about ocean and weather monitoring as they vote in the US midterm elections. Their experiences highlight how national decisions on fuel costs, imported seafood and NOAA funding can affect coastal livelihoods, even though shrimpers are a small part of the electorate.

Shrimper Mark Marhefka says fuel costs have doubled since Donald Trump returned to office and fears proposed budget cuts will weaken NOAA services he relies on for safe trips. NOAA has lost roughly 20 per cent of its workforce since January 2025, and the proposed 2027 budget would cut ocean-monitoring funds and end a regional observations programme. Voters are divided: Marhefka backs Democrat Annie Andrews, while 81-year-old fisherman John Henry Middleton is undecided and concerned about living costs and retirement.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.