2026 governor races put housing affordabilty on the line

Housing affordability played a major role in last year’s successful gubernatorial races, and the 2026 midterms promise it will remain top of mind among voters.Virginia and New Jersey, the only two governors’ races in 2025, went to Democrats who campaigned on the cost of living and housing costs. Both governors have notched housing wins.Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a faith-based housing law. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a ban on algorithmic rent-setting.This year, 36 states will elect governors, and the outcomes will shape legislative sessions that open in January. The contests differ by state. Where legislatures led on housing supply reform, as in Florida, Texas, Colorado and California, the question is whether the next governor extends, trims or redirects those laws. Three states show the limits of legislative action: Michigan’s housing package sits in committee, Massachusetts lawmakers remain in a holding pattern, and Rhode Island’s package failed, even as rent stabilization could arrive in Providence. National housing supply advocates, whose coalitions cross party lines, are not publicly taking sides in these races. They are preparing for 2027 legislative ses...