The high cost of living has Americans angrier than ever. Guardian reporters answer your questions now about the economy before voters head to the polls
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John Rossi from Pennsylvania asks in a callout question: What policies have candidates running for Congress or governorships proposed to bring down the cost of health care, housing, groceries, energy and other utilities such as water? Can Democrats/the Democratic Party make reforms to reject big corrupting donations and win elections?
Heather: There’s a bunch of ideas floating around on cutting costs for groceries, healthcare and energy bills. A key thing Democrats are promising if they regain power in Congress is to wrestle back authority on trade and repeal Trump’s tariffs, which would lower what it costs compaines to import. A second is to advance a vote to stop the war in Iran, which could calm fuel prices. If Democrats retake the Senate, expect Elizabeth Warren to become chair of the powerful banking committe, and push forward some curbs on private equity investments. And Democrats have been coalescing around more government funding for childcare, a notable move to the left in recent years. Hakeem Jeffries, who will be House Speaker if Democrats win there, is promising to reinstate ACA tax cuts and roll back Medicaid cuts, but the party is divided on Medicare For All, with DSA candidates making promises on the campaign trail and more centrist Dems being pretty quiet.
Republicans running for Congress have been talking a lot about ways to lower gas prices, especially suspending the fuel tax, and shaving utility bills by making tech companies and other big users pay more. Some have promised to curb Trump’s tariffs, including Michigan’s Mike Rogers, and others are proposing suspending data center building after public backlash.
Heather: California’s billionaire tax vote will be an interesting view into whether this popular sentiment (the US should tax the very rich more) can be translated into law. A majority of Americans from both parties think billionaires are increasing inequality and not contributing their fair share, as this November Harris poll showed. But California’s Democratic Governor (and possible 2028 presidential candidate) Gavin Newsom is oppposing the measure, and backing Proposition 42 which would prohibit retroactive taxes on any any billionaire who lived in California on Jan. 1, 2026 and prohibit new taxes on personal property.
