Democrats turn affordability into central midterm message as Trump pushes back

Democrats have made the cost-of-living crisis the centerpiece of their midterm messaging, framing rising prices as the product of political favoritism.

• Democratic candidates have spent about $104 million since April on anti-corruption ads linking political favoritism to higher housing and living costs, versus $36 million by Republicans.
• House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the party's first bill if it wins the majority would target the high cost of living and the health care system.
• Trump dismissed the affordability attacks at the GOP midterm convention, saying Democrats had caused the crisis.
• Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed said ending the Iran war would lower energy and grocery prices.