Candidates Triumph with Focus on Affordable Family Care

Elections held this month underscored a significant shift in voter priorities, notably favoring candidates who prioritize affordable family care in their platforms. Democratic candidates achieved notable victories in key races across the United States, demonstrating that a focus on care can resonate with diverse electoral demographics.

In New York City, Zohran Mamdani secured his mayoral position by advocating for publicly funded child care for all residents. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill claimed victory in the gubernatorial race, largely due to her support for the Child Care for Every Community Act, which aims to cap family costs and improve wages for care workers. Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger also emerged victorious, highlighting affordable child care and paid family medical leave as essential components of her campaign to support families.

These outcomes reflect a broader consensus among voters that the affordability crisis in the United States is fundamentally linked to issues surrounding care. The traditional notion of the “American Dream” appears increasingly out of reach for many families grappling with soaring costs for housing, groceries, and care services. Reports indicate that many families are resorting to skipping meals, relying on credit cards, and depleting savings to manage their financial burdens.

Significantly, the care economy, which includes child care, elder care, and disability services, has been identified as a critical area of concern. Research by economist Matthew Nestler suggests that the care economy has become a significant driver of inflation, with costs for home and community-based care rising at more than three times the rate of overall inflation since January 2024. This trend has placed immense pressure on families, with child care costs surpassing even those of housing and health care in nearly every state.

Polling data from the Century Foundation reveals that women, particularly working mothers, are facing extraordinary challenges in securing stable employment due to care responsibilities and the high costs associated with them. Families often find themselves in difficult positions, forced to choose between staying home and losing income or working merely to afford care.

The need for comprehensive solutions to these challenges transcends political affiliations. Millions of older adults are caught in what is termed the “middle market,” unable to afford long-term care yet ineligible for Medicaid. Candidates who approach care as a foundational economic issue rather than an individual problem have found success at the polls.

Mamdani’s campaign highlighted the perspective that care should be regarded as a public good rather than a personal responsibility. Sherrill echoed this sentiment, arguing that investments in care not only benefit families but also support economic growth. Spanberger’s platform resonated with voters frustrated by the high costs of child care—averaging around $30,000 annually for two children in Virginia—tapping into bipartisan discontent regarding waitlists and affordability.

These electoral victories illustrate how care policies impact daily life, enabling parents to participate in the workforce while ensuring that individuals of all ages receive the support they need to thrive. Paid leave provides families with essential financial stability and time for health and wellbeing, while home and community-based services allow older adults and people with disabilities to maintain their independence and dignity.

A wave of change is evident across the nation, with states implementing innovative care policies. New Mexico recently became the first state to offer free child care to all residents, regardless of income. Connecticut has established the Early Childhood Education Endowment, aimed at making child care free for families earning under $100,000 and capping costs at 7% of income for others. Washington State is on track to be the first to extend benefits for home and community-based care through the WA Cares program, while states like Colorado, California, and Rhode Island continue to expand paid leave options.

The path forward is increasingly clear. Sustained public investment in care policies and support for care workers is not only sound governance but also a politically astute move. Addressing affordability issues fundamentally requires a focus on care, directly impacting families and communities across all demographics.

As leaders such as Mamdani, Sherrill, and Spanberger demonstrate, placing care at the heart of political agendas aligns with voter expectations and reflects the urgent needs of families navigating today’s economic landscape.