The vice presidential candidates discussed their housing policies in the debate on Tuesday night, one month before election day. JD Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio, and Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, outlined their parties’ approaches to the housing crisis.
Both candidates mentioned housing multiple times in the first hour of the debate, prompting CBS News moderators Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan to pose a dedicated question about housing issues.
Since being chosen as running mates, both candidates have emphasized the importance of addressing housing issues. Vance has criticized institutional investors in housing, immigration, and HUD programs, while Walz has supported Harris’s housing policies and implemented his own as governor.
During the debate, Vance and Walz presented contrasting views on housing, reflecting their different ideologies.
Walz: housing is a path to middle class stability
Walz emphasized the importance of housing as a means to achieve middle-class stability. He discussed the shortage of homes in the U.S. and highlighted the need for affordable housing solutions. Walz also mentioned his state’s housing initiatives and the benefits of stable housing for communities.
Walz stressed the role of local governments in facilitating housing construction and mentioned programs like downpayment assistance to support homebuyers. He also highlighted the connection between stable housing, employment, and family well-being.
Vance: immigration raises housing costs, energy plan can help
Vance focused on the impact of immigration on housing costs and proposed energy solutions to address affordability. He criticized Harris for immigration policies that, in his view, contribute to rising housing prices. Vance also advocated for Trump’s energy plan to reduce housing expenses.
Vance called for utilizing federal lands for housing development and reducing energy costs to make homeownership more accessible. He criticized Harris for not implementing proposed policies during her term and emphasized the need for immediate action to address housing affordability.
The potential for utilizing federal lands for housing instead of national parks was discussed during the debate. Vance advocated for opening up building in the country to provide homes for Americans in need, suggesting that illegal immigrants should be removed to make room for citizens. However, Walz raised concerns about the impact on important federal lands if drilling and housing were to coexist. He emphasized the value of preserving these lands and proposed alternative solutions like refurbishing existing houses. Vance referenced a Federal Reserve study supporting claims of immigration affecting housing costs, promising to share the details post-debate. Criticizing the regulatory obstacles under the Biden-Harris administration, Vance highlighted the challenges in home development. Despite agreeing with Walz on reevaluating housing as a commodity, Vance attributed rising housing costs to illegal immigration. The debate concluded with Vance reiterating the belief that immigration plays a significant role in driving up housing prices.