The recent elections have underscored a strong voter preference for candidates who prioritize the affordability of care services. Notable Democratic victories include Zohran Mamdani in New York City, who advocated for publicly funded child care, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, who supported the Child Care for Every Community Act, and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia, who emphasized affordable child care and paid family leave as critical issues for families.

These outcomes reflect a broader recognition that the affordability crisis in the United States is fundamentally linked to the care economy. Many families are experiencing financial strain due to rising costs in various sectors, including housing and food, with care-related expenses often being overlooked. Research indicates that rising income inequality is a significant factor contributing to the weakening of democratic institutions, with the care economy disproportionately affecting women.

Economist Matthew Nestler has noted that the care economy has become a persistent source of inflation, with costs for home and community-based care increasing at a rate significantly higher than overall inflation since January 2024. The financial burden of child care has surpassed that of housing and health care in many states, creating challenges for families and impacting societal stability.

The implications of this crisis extend beyond individual families, affecting economic participation and workforce dynamics. Data from the Century Foundation reveals that women face greater difficulties than men in securing quality employment due to care responsibilities and the high costs of care options. Many families find themselves in a precarious situation, forced to choose between forgoing income or working solely to cover care expenses.

This issue transcends political affiliations, as evidenced by the 6.5 million older adults who are unable to afford long-term care yet do not qualify for Medicaid. Voters from diverse backgrounds are calling for solutions that recognize care as a collective responsibility rather than an individual burden.

Mamdani's campaign message emphasized that care should be viewed as a public good. Similarly, Sherrill's platform highlighted the economic benefits of investing in care, while Spanberger addressed bipartisan concerns regarding the high costs and waitlists for child care.

The victories of these candidates illustrate that care issues resonate deeply with voters, influencing how families navigate work and aging. Access to child care enables parents to engage in the workforce, while paid leave provides essential support for family health and well-being. Additionally, home and community-based services are vital for older adults and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to maintain independence and community connections.

In Georgia, residents are increasingly concerned about rising energy costs, particularly related to the potential construction of a data center near Hogansville. Local cattle rancher Reece Payton expressed frustration over rising electric bills, including an additional charge to support a distant nuclear power plant. This concern prompted Payton to vote for a Democratic candidate for the first time, reflecting a broader trend among voters in traditionally Republican areas.

In the recent elections, voters in some of Georgia's most rural counties crossed party lines, contributing to the election of Democrats Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson to the Georgia Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities and influences climate and energy policy. This shift in voter sentiment appears to be driven by growing anxiety over electricity costs and the expansion of data centers, which are often associated with increased energy consumption and corporate interests.

Similar concerns have emerged across the United States. In Virginia, Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has committed to reducing energy bills and increasing taxes on data centers. In New Jersey, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has promised to address utility costs by declaring a state of emergency and freezing rates. Additionally, in Memphis, State Representative Justin J. Pearson is challenging a proposal for a supercomputer by Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, highlighting the intersection of technology, corporate power, and social equity in local governance.

The path forward involves sustained public investment in care policies and support for care workers, which is essential for addressing the affordability crisis. Prioritizing care and energy issues in political agendas aligns with the needs of voters and is crucial for fostering economic stability and equity.