Federal Issues
Housing and the American Electorate
June 1, 2026
With the Georgia run-off elections and the national mid-term elections just around the corner, it’s important to consider how housing is impacting this year’s election season. As housing affordability and availability continue to impact families across the country, housing has become one of the most important issues influencing voters at every level of government. Rising home prices, increasing rents, limited inventory, and growing development pressures are affecting not only first-time homebuyers but also long-time residents, seniors, and workforce populations seeking stability in their communities. Voters are paying closer attention to candidates and elected officials who prioritize policies that support housing supply, affordability, property rights, and responsible community growth.
For local governments, the idea of restricting growth will ultimately have a short shelf life as communities continue to face increasing demand for housing and economic development. Recent polling highlights just how significant housing has become as a voter issue. A 2024 national survey found that 91% of Gen Z voters consider housing affordability an important factor in determining how they vote. Additionally, nearly 9 in 10 voters nationwide say purchasing a home is more difficult today than in previous generations, and more than 80% believe elected officials should take action to address housing affordability challenges.
As communities continue to experience rapid growth and economic change, housing policy is increasingly shaping conversations around economic opportunity, workforce development, infrastructure, and quality of life. For REALTORS® and housing advocates, this election cycle presents an important opportunity to educate voters and policymakers on the long-term impact of housing-related decisions in Georgia and across the nation.
VOTERS' ATTITUDES ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND HOMEOWNERSHIP.
About the GRBOR Market Brief
The Greater Rome Board of REALTORS® (GRBOR) Market Brief is compiled by Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS).For more information on details of this month's report, please contact the Board at 404.845.4025.
*Each month, the numbers reported for the previous month are updated to reflect additional recordings.
About the Greater Rome Board of REALTORS®
The Greater Rome Board of REALTORS® (GRBOR) has been an instrumental factor in the growth of real estate in Floyd County, Georgia for more than a decade. GRBOR serves as a central source of information for its members, with mainly focusing on real estate education, the promotion of professionalism in the industry and representing REALTORS® members with legislative initiatives to create positive change for the real estate community.
About Georgia Multiple Listing Service
Since 1962 Georgia MLS has been providing real estate professionals with exceptional service, proven technology solutions, and unmatched value. With a laser-sharp focus on making the day-to-day tasks of our MLS subscribers more functional, more productive, and more profitable, we continue to implement the service blueprint that has led to our continued growth. For additional information or to start a discussion about how to partner with GAMLS please contact georgiamls@gamls.com.