"It's a wake-up call to Democrats and Republicans. And it's not the economy. It's not even inflation because that's something that's used by professors and politicians. It is affordability."
"The public is voting for candidates that they think will make life more affordable,"
Economic indicators looked reasonably strong on paper: inflation had cooled, hiring outpaced firing, wages were rising, and stock-market gains boosted perceived wealth. Voters nonetheless punished incumbents, reflecting lived affordability pressures distinct from headline inflation. Affordability emerged as the central issue, with upper-middle-class households focused on housing and healthcare while paycheck-to-paycheck workers concentrated on food and fuel. Candidates promising to reduce costs for essentials won key races, including a New York mayoral victory and gubernatorial wins that targeted rising utility prices. Inflation has eased from its peak but remains persistently felt in everyday grocery and energy costs.
Read at Fortune
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