“Reclaiming Affordability” is an op-ed series in partnership between the Independent Women and the Washington Examiner. Each day this week, a policy expert at Independent Women will tackle the top concern on the minds of voters this election cycle from a different angle, putting forth realistic solutions to the affordability crisis.

All issues are women’s issues, but no issue is more important today to the largest voting bloc than housing. Women want affordable housing — whether a first apartment after college, a starter home to begin a family, or a place to age with dignity. We have arrived at the moment for policymakers to address the structural challenges that have restricted housing supply and made housing so expensive. 

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Women today feel deep pessimism about their financial future. According to a New York Times poll in early 2026, shelter costs ranked as most concerning for women, followed by healthcare. Nearly six out of 10 women characterized the cost of housing as completely unaffordable, outpacing men by a 10-point margin.

HOUSING IS THE AFFORDABILITY ISSUE THAT COULD COST THE GOP IN 2026

Americans overall are fatigued by high shelter costs. Some 23 million renters (half) and 21 million homeowners (a quarter) reported spending well above the........

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