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Housing-Shortage

Housing affordability

Housing costs and affordability are a key issue in Michigan's 2026 elections. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers has unveiled plans targeting housing costs and support for the working class, while progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has made housing and homelessness a central campaign priority. Bridge Michigan readers have also identified housing as one of the top issues in the U.S. Senate race.

What should Michigan's next U.S. Senator do to address housing affordability?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Bridge Michigan / Mike Rogers campaign — https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/6-major-issues-in-michigans-us-senate-race
Former US Rep. Mike Rogers is unveiling big plans for bringing down housing costs and supporting the working class in the Republican primary he is expected to dominate.
Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan U.S. Senate candidate — https://abdulforsenate.com/priorities
Housing and Homelessness — Abdul will get money out of politics, put money in your pocket, and pass Medicare for All... affordable housing for all.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Enact major federal investment in public and affordable housing construction and strong tenant protections.
  2. Expand housing vouchers, fund affordable housing development, and reform zoning laws to increase supply.
  3. Focus on incentivizing local zoning reform and public-private partnerships to increase housing supply.
  4. Reduce regulations and permitting requirements that drive up construction costs and slow new housing development.
  5. Leave housing policy to the free market and local governments; oppose new federal housing mandates or subsidies.

Housing costs and affordability

Housing costs are a prominent 2026 campaign issue in Michigan, with U.S. Senate candidates highlighting plans to lower housing expenses for working-class residents and address homelessness alongside broader affordability pressures.

What approach should Michigan take to lower housing costs and improve affordability?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Bridge Michigan — https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/6-major-issues-in-michigans-us-senate-race
former US Rep. Mike Rogers is unveiling big plans for bringing down housing costs and supporting the working class in the Republican primary
Abdul El-Sayed campaign — https://abdulforsenate.com/priorities
Housing and Homelessness
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Large-scale public housing investment, rent control, and strong tenant protections statewide
  2. Major subsidies for affordable units plus zoning reform to require more low-income housing
  3. Targeted incentives for builders of workforce housing and expanded homelessness services
  4. Balance new construction incentives with local zoning flexibility and modest assistance programs
  5. Deregulate zoning and permitting to boost private supply while limiting new public spending
  6. Cut housing regulations and taxes on developers, relying on market growth to lower prices
  7. Minimize government housing programs and let private markets and charities handle supply