OpenCampaign

Economy

Cost of living and affordability

North Carolinians widely report rising prices, tight household budgets, and affordability as a top concern heading into 2026. Candidates in the U.S. Senate race have centered campaigns on lowering everyday costs, while polls show the pressure cuts across party lines and shapes voter priorities statewide.

How should North Carolina address rising prices and household affordability pressures?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Center for NC Politics | Catawba College — https://www.catawba.edu/ncpoliticscenter
Most North Carolinians Say Prices Are Up, Budgets Are Tight, and Affordability Is a Critical Issue (January 2026)
North Carolina Newsline / Roy Cooper campaign — https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina,_2026
Former NC Gov Roy Cooper kicks off US Senate campaign with pledge to ‘make stuff cost less’
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand state aid, subsidies, and public programs to directly lower household costs for working families
  2. Increase targeted relief and investments while pairing them with consumer protections
  3. Focus on a mix of limited relief and growth policies without major new spending
  4. Cut regulations and taxes so businesses can lower prices through market competition
  5. Prioritize deep tax and spending cuts and minimal government involvement in prices