Housing affordability shapes races across five districts

Several local and congressional races are focusing on affordability, housing and economic opportunity, with candidates offering different approaches. In North Cowichan, Mayor Rob Douglas is seeking reelection on a platform of economic diversification and upholding the community’s growth boundary, while challenger Chris Wilkinson argues the local economy and community plan need to change. In Austin, District 5 incumbent Ryan Alter touts affordability measures, while opponents cite rising household costs and neglected infrastructure; in District 9, an approved affordable-housing development has split incumbent Zo Qadri, who backed it, from challengers and neighbors concerned about its scale and effects. In Florida’s 24th Congressional District, Oliver Gilbert supports expanding transit and housing supply, while Te Brown emphasizes investment, lower taxes and gas prices; immigration policy also separates them. In Sonoma County’s 4th District, Melanie Bagby and Tom Schwedhelm both prioritize missing-middle housing, but differ on emphasizing wages and labor agreements versus permitting reform and homebuyer assistance.