As the 2026 midterm elections approach, affordability is emerging as one of the most pressing issues for voters. In a recent interview, Kent Strang of Americans for Prosperity emphasized that both parties will be forced to address rising costs, inflation, and energy policy as central campaign themes.
Strang criticized Democratic leadership, pointing to trillions in new spending under Senator Chuck Schumer that he argues fueled 40-year high inflation. He noted that families have paid thousands more annually to maintain their standard of living, while interest rates remain elevated, making it harder for Americans to buy homes, cars, or invest in businesses.
Republicans, Strang said, will highlight the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which doubled the standard deduction and provided long-term certainty for small businesses. He stressed that energy policy will be a key differentiator, contrasting President Trump’s push for expanded domestic production with the Biden administration’s higher fuel and utility costs. Strang argued that permitting reform and cutting red tape could unleash “American energy abundance,” lowering costs across the board.
Healthcare also looms large in the affordability debate. Strang criticized the Affordable Care Act for driving up costs and enriching insurance companies, while proposing a massive expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). By giving Americans direct control over healthcare dollars, he believes patients could negotiate more affordable care and reduce reliance on subsidies.
Finally, Strang raised concerns about the $38 trillion national debt, suggesting tariff revenues or spending cuts should be directed toward debt reduction rather than stimulus checks. He argued that fiscal discipline would help lower interest rates and strengthen national security.