Sen. JD Vance blamed “illegal aliens” for driving up housing costs and exacerbating the affordability crisis at a rally at Raleigh’s Union Station Wednesday.
The big picture: The vice presidential candidate focused on three issues that will be top of mind for many Americans when they cast their ballot in the upcoming election: crime, the economy and immigration.
- “Now we talk a lot about inflation and the economy, and justifiably so, because there are way too many American families struggling,” Vance told the crowd.
Driving the news: Vance attributed high housing costs to rising interest rates and undocumented immigrants, saying Vice President Kamala Harris “flooded the country with cheap labor and people who are competing with you for homes.”
- Housing is “completely unaffordable for young Americans” in Raleigh and other big cities, he said.
Between the lines: The focus on housing from candidates this election reflects how urgent the long-simmering shortage has become, writes Axios’ Emily Peck .