As the Democratic Party looks to regain its footing following last year’s setbacks, affordability has emerged as the central theme for many high-profile candidates in the upcoming November elections. With rising costs affecting everyday Americans, candidates like Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Zohran Mamdani of New York City, and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia are zeroing in on issues like healthcare, housing, energy, and groceries, which are increasingly out of reach for many voters.
Sherrill, a centrist former Navy helicopter pilot, is running for governor of New Jersey, hoping to appeal to moderates disillusioned by the party’s recent direction. Her “Affordability Agenda” targets cost-of-living concerns and includes measures like freezing energy rates and addressing high housing and healthcare costs. Meanwhile, Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist and mayoral candidate in New York City, is pushing for a more progressive agenda, including a rent freeze, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores. Although his policies have drawn criticism from both Republicans and some fellow Democrats, he holds a significant lead over his main rival, Andrew Cuomo, in recent polls.
In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, is focusing on what she calls an “Affordable Virginia” plan, which aims to lower housing, healthcare, and energy costs. She also advocates for tech companies to pay their fair share of electricity costs, citing the state’s reliance on federal jobs, which are being affected by the government shutdown.
Despite these varied approaches, all three candidates agree on one thing: that the rising cost of living is a pressing issue for voters. According to Mark Riddle, president of Democratic research firm Future Majority, voters are blaming former President Donald Trump for the economic pain they are feeling, particularly in the wake of inflation and rising costs for basic goods.
Trump, who is defending his economic record as part of his 2024 presidential campaign, has repeatedly claimed credit for reducing inflation, despite the continuing price hikes for essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare. While his economic policies, such as high tariffs and tax cuts, have been controversial, they remain a key part of his appeal to voters.
Polls show that while Americans are increasingly dissatisfied with Trump’s handling of the economy, they still trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to economic policy. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from September found that 34% of Americans trust Republicans to manage economic issues, compared to just 24% for Democrats.
Democratic strategists are hoping that success in the upcoming mayoral and gubernatorial elections could translate into wins in the 2026 midterms, where control of both chambers of Congress will be up for grabs. However, it remains to be seen whether their focus on affordability will be enough to win back voters disillusioned by the party’s recent struggles.
For now, candidates like Sherrill, Mamdani, and Spanberger are betting that addressing everyday economic concerns will be the key to turning the tide for the Democrats.
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