62% of voters name cost of living top issue, pushing candidates to pitch specific price cuts

A new poll from the health policy nonprofit KFF shows that 62% of voters identify the cost of living as the single most important issue in the 2026 elections. This figure places affordability above concerns about health care and transportation. Candidates across the country are responding by packaging various policy proposals under affordability slogans. The race to define the economic agenda has become a central feature of the campaign cycle.

Roy Cooper, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina, uses the phrase 'Make stuff cost less.' He argues that tariffs and corporate influence are driving up prices for groceries and housing. His plan includes blocking anti-competitive mergers, banning algorithmic pricing, and cutting drug costs through Medicare negotiation. He also proposes barring foreign buyers from single-family homes and expanding the child care tax credit.

In New Mexico, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland promotes an 'affordability agenda.' She blames record corporate profits and federal tariffs for high costs. Her proposals include waiving permit fees for stores in food deserts and banning AI-driven rent setting. She also wants to raise the minimum wage and adjust it for inflation annually to put more money in families' pockets.

Republican New York gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman focuses on taxes and energy. He blames state green energy policies for high electricity bills. Blakeman promises to cut utility bills 'in half' and lift the state's ban on fracking. He has not provided a detailed mechanism for how the utility bill reduction would be achieved.

In South Carolina, Democratic Senate candidate Annie Andrews highlights 'gas, grits and groceries.' She argues that corrupt politicians and big corporations are raising everyday costs. Her platform includes suspending federal gas and diesel taxes for immediate relief. She also seeks to give local communities more power to influence data center development and to expand the child care workforce through a federal apprenticeship program.

Texas Senate candidates are also vying for the affordability vote. Democrat James Talarico says he will 'unrig the economy' by raising the minimum wage, canceling medical debt, and repealing tax breaks for the top 1% to fund a cost-of-living tax cut. His Republican opponent, Ken Paxton, blames corporate price-gouging and government spending. Paxton proposes doubling the child tax credit and creating a $50,000 tax deduction for first-time homebuyers. He also wants to make Trump Accounts for children permanent.

In California, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra argues that corporations are taking advantage of weak competition. He promises to freeze utility rates and home insurance premiums while declaring a housing state of emergency to speed up construction. The next major step for voters is checking their state election offices or using resources from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to review these specific ballot measures before casting their votes.