The high cost of living is turning into the sharpest political weakness for Republicans, and Democrats are already winning with it.

• Prices and affordability are the issue voters feel most, and it is being used against the Trump administration.
• The White House has pushed back with talk of homeownership and bringing jobs back to the U.S., with J.D. Vance leading that message.
• Left-wing candidates are gaining ground on cost-of-living anger, including a socialist who just won a primary in Florida.
• If people keep struggling to afford housing and basics, that anger will keep moving votes.

Outlook: Expect affordability to be the central fight heading into the next round of elections, with both sides racing to own the issue.