As the 2026 midterm elections approach, housing affordability has emerged as a critical concern for voters in key states, including Ohio, Iowa, Texas, and Maine. A recent Pew Research Center poll indicates that 66% of Americans are “very concerned” about housing costs, reflecting a growing sentiment that owning a home is increasingly out of reach for many.
According to a July survey by CNBC, housing affordability ranks as the top issue for younger voters, particularly among Gen Z and men aged 18 to 44. This concern is underscored by a 2024 study from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, which found that nearly half of all Americans—49%—spend more than the recommended 30% of their income on housing. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the debate intensifies over potential solutions, including increasing housing supply, subsidizing rents, and raising wages.
Voter Sentiment in Maine
In Maine, the Senate race features Democrat Troy Jackson, who is narrowly favored against incumbent Republican Susan Collins. Both candidates acknowledge the impact of private equity investment in residential properties, although they differ on solutions. Jackson has criticized Collins for opposing an amendment aimed at supporting the construction of 7 million new homes to expand affordable housing opportunities.
Residents like Dan Martin, who moved to Freeport from New Jersey, express frustration over the disparity in housing access. “Landowners here own a lot of land, and they’re often unwilling to give it up,” he notes, highlighting the challenges faced by low-income residents. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates a shortage of 20,000 rental homes for extremely low-income residents in Maine, exacerbated by stagnant wages that have not kept pace with rising housing costs.
Ohio’s Housing Crisis
In Ohio, the Senate race pits Republican incumbent John Husted against Democrat Sherrod Brown, who leads in the polls. Voter concerns center on the need for affordable and “attainable” housing. Brown advocates for expanding inventory and protecting affordable housing, while Husted emphasizes increasing housing supply through private investment.
Sonya Fix, a professor in Columbus, shares her observations of friends struggling to enter the housing market. “I’ve seen friends who are even in better positions than me not be able to buy a house,” she says, reflecting the broader trend of rising housing costs. The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio reports that two-bedroom rents have increased by 28% between January 2020 and January 2025, further straining budgets.
Iowa’s Property Tax Concerns
Iowa’s Senate race features Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek, both addressing housing affordability. Hinson’s platform includes expanding homeownership tax incentives, while Turek supports banning private equity from purchasing single-family homes. Although Iowa faces a housing shortage of around 8,000 homes, it is expected to close this gap by 2028.
Matt Kruegar, a property investor in Des Moines, highlights the rising costs of property taxes and insurance as significant barriers to homeownership. “Property taxes accounted for 18.4% of the monthly housing cost,” he states, emphasizing the need for state intervention to alleviate these financial burdens.
Texas Housing Affordability Challenges
In Texas, the Senate race is closely contested between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton. Talarico advocates for modular homes and stricter regulations on institutional investors, while Paxton supports tax deductions for homebuyers. Betsy Seltzer, a resident in Cady, Texas, describes feeling “stuck” in her current home due to skyrocketing prices and stagnant wages.
Favianna Orriols, advocacy director for Texas Housers, notes that while recent legislative efforts have focused on land use deregulation, the challenges facing renters are multifaceted, including rising insurance and property taxes. With Texas facing a shortage of 864,000 affordable housing units, the urgency for comprehensive solutions is palpable.
As the midterm elections draw near, the housing affordability crisis remains a pivotal issue for voters across these states, shaping the political landscape and influencing the priorities of elected officials. The outcomes of these races could significantly impact future housing policies and the lives of countless residents struggling with affordability challenges.
For further insights into housing issues affecting voters, visit Realtor.com.
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