(The Center Square) – Voters in Wisconsin are worried about their wallets heading into the 2026 elections.
The Institute for Reforming Government recently released the results of its listening session tour, and unsurprisingly “affordability” is the number one concern.
“By far, the most significant issue discussed in every listening session was cost of living – rising prices in the basic essentials – as well as costs related to housing, health care and child care. Inflationary pressures on food and living expenses, housing, health care, child care,” IRG’s report stated.
“Similarly, in IRG’s poll of statewide voters, 39% of voters said that “cost of living” was the #1 issue that would drive their vote, which included 49% of Independents. One of every two voters said lowering food costs.”
Wisconsin voters are not alone in worrying about affording the basics. Most 2026 polls say affordability is the top issue for voters this year.
IRG’s CEO CJ Szafir said voters are drawing a line from their day-to-day struggles to politics, policies and their votes.
“The data makes one point unmistakably clear: affordability is the defining issue for Wisconsin families. Residents across the state described grocery bills that feel unsustainable, housing and tax burdens rising faster than wages, child care and health care costs that strain every household budget, and jobs that fail to keep pace with inflation,” Czafir said. “The takeaway is simple – candidates who prioritize affordability and present serious, practical solutions will be the ones who earn the trust of Wisconsin voters in 2026.”
The IRG report says health care, state taxes and housing are the second-biggest issues for voters.
“Over 60% of voters indicated that health care, taxes, and housing were important issues for their vote,” Czafir added.
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As has been the case for years, voters say they are also worried about the state’s public schools. But, the report says, it is not a top concern.
“Only 5% of voters indicated that K-12 education was the most important issue in 2026,” the report added. “In the same poll, while voters had plenty of ideas to improve their schools, of the respondents that had school-aged children living at home with them, 45% of them said that they were ‘very satisfied’ with their children’s schools.”