"It's the economy, stupid," Bill Clinton famously proclaimed on his way to winning the presidency in 1992. As we approach midterm elections more than 30 years later, a similar catchphrase could be: "It's affordability, stupid."

Many Americans consider the cost of living the top issue that needs to be addressed in November elections. While food, gas and health care costs are a big part of this equation, the biggest expense many families have to reckon with every month is their mortgage or rent payments.

With that in mind, it's instructive to look at what has happened – and is happening – in Florida and California, two large, heavily populated states on opposite sides of our country.

By one metric, these states appear to be headed in different directions. However, they have more in common than their political leaders might imagine.

A tale of two states, more alike than they may realize

In 2025, California experienced a net loss of 150,000 people, according to one estimate. Other estimates indicate slow growth over the past three years, although the state's population is about where it was in 2019, before significant population losses during the COVID-19 years.

By contrast, my home state of Florida has been growing like a flower in springtime. Florida added almost 200,000 residents from 2024 to 2025, capping a decade with an overall population growth of 16.5%.

If you're planning a car trip to Disney World or other Orlando area attractions this........

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