Across the Country: October 22nd, 2024

The housing crisis continues in America's battleground states. Across the Country Hello, {NAME}! Welcome back to Across the Country, the weekly series from No Dem Left Behind! I’m Sabrina Niazi, and together with my colleague Daniela Rodriguez, we’re keeping you updated on the critical issues shaping battleground states. This week, we’re turning our attention to the housing crisis, which is hitting states like Michigan, Arizona, and North Carolina especially hard. Skyrocketing rents, lack of affordable homes, and increasing homelessness are impacting millions and will be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections. Housing Crisis in Battleground States As we head toward November, rising home prices and soaring mortgage rates are becoming a central focus in several crucial battleground counties. The high cost of housing is putting intense pressure on potential homebuyers, many of whom are already feeling the squeeze of inflation and economic uncertainty. In places like Maricopa County, Arizona, and Oakland County, Michigan, first-time homebuyers are struggling to afford homes in what were once considered more affordable markets. These counties, already political bellwethers, are now grappling with a housing market that’s pricing out many middle-class families. According to a recent report, 80% of homebuyers in key battleground counties feel financially strained by current housing conditions, and this dissatisfaction is increasingly becoming a decisive factor in the 2024 election. Voters in these regions are more likely to prioritize economic policies that can address housing affordability, and candidates who fail to respond risk losing support. President Biden has acknowledged the crisis, emphasizing federal programs designed to ease the burden on homebuyers, including expanded tax credits and low-interest loan options. However, rising mortgage rates—pushed up by inflation and Federal Reserve policies—continue to make homeownership inaccessible for many Americans. The Biden administration has also advocated for building more affordable housing to increase supply, which is seen as one of the long-term solutions to the crisis. Republicans, on the other hand, are leveraging this housing crisis to criticize the current administration’s handling of inflation and economic policy. In places like Michigan and Pennsylvania, GOP candidates are promising to curb inflation and ease housing costs by cutting government spending and scaling back federal regulations. Housing affordability is not just a financial issue—it’s a deeply personal one. For many voters, the ability to own a home is tied to the American Dream, and when that dream feels out of reach, it drives political decisions. The current crisis is shifting voter priorities in key counties, making the 2024 election about more than just traditional economic indicators. It's about whether or not everyday Americans feel like they can build a stable life for themselves and their families. Candidates who address this issue with actionable plans—whether it’s through reducing inflation, increasing affordable housing, or providing more direct financial assistance—are likely to gain an edge in these battleground regions. As we get closer to November, expect to see housing affordability rise as one of the most critical issues for voters in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover the issues shaping this election. Stay informed with NDLB! -Sabrina Niazi Be sure to follow and share on social media! This is how we spread the word and make a real impact on every election for every Democrat. No Dem Left Behind PAC P.O. Box 15320 Washington, D.C. 20003 You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL}. Click here to modify your [preferences]( or [unsubscribe](.