Connecticut Youth Rank Housing as Top Gubernatorial Election Issue

Housing affordability has become a central factor in the upcoming Connecticut gubernatorial election, according to new survey data. The issue weighs heavily on voters aged 18 to 34, who face rising rents and property taxes.

The August poll, conducted by Sacred Heart University, WFSB, and CT Insider, found that 67.3% of young voters ranked housing costs as a top issue. Across all age groups, 71.8% reported that their household housing costs increased over the past year.

For Janiya Mercado, an 18-year-old retail employee from Bridgeport, the financial strain is visible in her family’s monthly expenses. Her family pays approximately $1,400 in rent for a property owned by her grandmother. Mercado noted that rising tax costs have forced her grandmother to raise rent slightly, despite her mother working at two hospitals.

Kerwnny Jerome, a student at Southern Connecticut State University, commutes from her parents’ home in Derby to save money. She said her primary concern is accumulating enough funds to move out after graduation. Jerome described a generation-wide struggle to afford basic housing needs.

Jahaira Pacheco, a 24-year-old student at Gateway Community College in West Haven, cited property tax hikes as a major obstacle for her family. Her parents purchased their home in 2024 after saving for 15 years. Following renovations and the opening of a nearby elementary school, their property was revalued, increasing their tax bill by roughly $1,000.

Pacheco stated that current salary levels are failing to keep pace with rising prices. She expressed doubt about the feasibility of homeownership for middle-class families if costs continue to climb.

Candidates for governor have outlined distinct policy approaches to address these pressures. Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio presented their plans at the 2026 Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial Forum on October 6. Jonathan Wharton, a professor at Southern Connecticut State University, attended the event and noted the difference in their proposals.

Lamont’s platform emphasizes transit-oriented development, building new housing near train stations, and revitalizing downtowns. He also lists support for workforce and middle-income housing as key components of his strategy. Fazio proposed reducing and capping property taxes, streamlining building codes, eliminating licensing fees, and replacing state affordable housing statutes to increase local control.

Cameron Brown, a 20-year-old food service worker in New Haven, said he is leaning toward Lamont because of the governor’s focus on affordability. Wharton observed that the candidates’ proposals reflect different philosophies on how to solve the housing crisis. He noted that the issue is complex and unlikely to be solved by a single policy.

The election is scheduled for November. Young voters like Jerome hope their specific concerns about saving for independent living will influence the outcome. The poll results indicate that housing remains a decisive factor in their voting decisions this year.