Affordability remains a central issue in the 2024 midterm election campaigns as candidates across the United States respond to widespread voter concerns over rising costs of living. Both Democrats and Republicans are emphasizing economic pain points related to essentials such as housing, groceries, fuel, child care, health care, and utilities, each proposing a range of measures to ease the financial burden on households.
Despite signs of economic resilience—such as the addition of 162,000 jobs in August—surveys indicate that the cost of living continues to rank among voters’ top concerns across party lines. This persistent anxiety reflects the impact of rising prices combined with stagnant wages, prompting candidates to engage in targeted outreach. Tours and events, often themed around affordability, are taking place in various communities, with candidates employing slogans like “Make Stuff Cost Less” and “Defending the Florida Dream” to connect with voters facing everyday economic challenges.
Housing costs have soared since the pandemic, with home prices increasing approximately 50 percent and a growing share of Americans spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. The median age for first-time homebuyers has risen to 40 years old. While some rental markets have seen price declines, rents generally remain above pre-pandemic levels. In response, politicians from both parties have proposed reforms aiming to accelerate permitting processes, increase housing supply, and limit acquisitions of single-family homes or rental properties by private equity firms. Congress passed a bipartisan housing package last year—the first significant legislation addressing this crisis in over three decades—though its effects are expected to unfold gradually.
Groceries and fuel continue to pressure household budgets, with food prices rising around 3 percent year over year and gasoline costs climbing amid geopolitical tensions, including the war in Iran. The national average for regular gasoline exceeds $4 per gallon, while diesel prices have reached record highs. Some Democrats attribute these increases partly to tariffs and corporate practices, advocating for tariff rollbacks and closer scrutiny of grocery store consolidations. Republicans have focused on suspending gas taxes as a form of temporary relief.
Child care affordability remains a significant concern, exacerbated by rising operating costs, reduced government funding, and workforce shortages, partly linked to tighter immigration policies. Currently, families earning median incomes in all states spend considerably more than the 7 percent of household income deemed affordable by the Department of Health and Human Services. Some Democratic candidates promote universal publicly funded child care as a solution, while many Republicans support expanding tax credits aimed at lowering costs for families.
Health care costs also weigh heavily on voters. The expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies has led to steep premium increases, with family coverage premiums averaging about $27,000 annually in 2025. Changes to Medicaid eligibility enacted under prior Republican legislation may further strain family budgets. In response, candidates have proposed various strategies to address medical debt and improve coverage access.
Utility bills have climbed as well, with residential electricity prices rising by 13 percent on average since 2022. Republicans blame regulatory mandates promoting electrification and advocate for increased use of natural gas, while Democrats point to the energy demands of data centers and have called for enhanced protections or restrictions. Democrats also favor expanding tax credits for renewable energy projects to increase supply and moderate costs.
Overall, candidates across the political spectrum are honing their messaging on affordability, seeking specific policy solutions that resonate with voters who continue to grapple with the financial pressures of daily life as the midterm elections approach.