Dupont Circle voters: ‘sink or swim system’ around affordability must change

Voters in Dupont Circle don’t just care about affordability for D.C. They’re concerned about prices across the country.

And that’s what they’re considering when voting today.

“It’s impacting what is happening in my pocketbook and what I can save for the future,” David Do, a Ward 2 resident, said.

Fuel, grocery, and housing costs have exploded across the country, especially since the war in Iran started.

Fifty-four percent of the Americans that the Pew Research Center surveyed said that they have not been able to save money for the future. According to the same survey, almost half said that they had difficulties paying for at least one of these necessities: medical care, daily transportation, rent or mortgage, or food.

The September 2026 consumer price index, which follows the change in prices, found that in the last year, the all items index increased 3.7 percent. Gas increased 9.1%, energy increased 5.2%, and shelter rose 0.4% in September, but food was unchanged.

“We have a ridiculous war in Iran right now that is impacting gas prices across the world and having really devastating impacts on a lot of different communities,” Do said. 

Ashley Pearce is originally from D.C. but spent 15 years living in Mexico and then 14 years in Japan before returning. She now lives in Takoma Park, and she said the affordability is horrible.

She said coming from Japan, where she had nationalized medicine and a “social safety net,” she had a hard time establishing a life back in the DMV.

“I think that’s by design in this country. One of the reasons that we are so dynamic is that we have this very cruel sink or swim system, and a lot of people sink,” Pearce said.

These circumstances are impacting their voting interests.

Do said he wants to make sure that someone in office has kitchen table policies and won’t shrug off issues.

“Things haven’t been as promised for the last two years, and I think that a new vision for D.C. and for America is what’s needed,” Do said.

He is closely paying attention to Janeese Lewis George’s run for mayor, as he volunteers for her campaign. But he is also noting the Texas Senate race and the Michigan Senate race.

Pearce is also following the Michigan Senate race. She said she likes the new Democrats that are talking about quality of life and affordability because it’s real.

Other voters said these issues don’t necessarily affect their choices as much for this election cycle.

Ben Schaefer, who is from Virginia, said some issues shape his voting patterns in general. He said the path that caused these affordability problems was largely government spending or overspending that led to inflation.

He said controlling government spending is the best way to protect against a future affordability crisis. Schaefer said he would vote for either party that exercised or discusses exercising fiscal responsibility.

Stephanie Meijer, who works in title insurance in Pennsylvania, said the high prices have affected that business. But, she said, it would depend on the next presidential election, rather than impacting how she votes right now.

Do said this is an incredibly important election.

“I am really confident in the polls, and I hope that tonight the voters turn out in favor of a new vision for the U.S.,” Do said.