The real estate bubble in Nevada redefines politics in a crucial election year.

In the heart of Nevada, the real estate bubble is not only redefining the urban landscape but also profoundly impacting political prospects in a crucial election year. The story of Brittnie Aguirre, a young mother of three in Reno, reflects the struggles faced by many middle-class families today. Despite working hard to save money, Aguirre and her husband find themselves trapped in a market where the average home price has reached prohibitive levels, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration. "We are struggling more than ever because the cost of living is absolutely staggering," Aguirre expresses, noting that the problem extends beyond housing to include the prices of food and gasoline. This feeling of discontent is not isolated; more and more voters feel that the current government has failed to provide effective solutions to their economic problems. Although Aguirre voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 elections, she now feels indecisive and seeks to better inform herself about the parties' proposals ahead of the upcoming elections. Reno, known as the "biggest little city in the world," has seen a drastic change in its demographics and economy over the past decade. The arrival of tech giants like Tesla and Apple has spurred the migration of high-income workers from California, leading to a frenzied increase in housing prices. In just a few years, the average cost of a home has doubled, creating an environment where locals feel increasingly displaced by newcomers. This phenomenon has generated growing resentment. Sam Britt, a real estate broker, points out that first-time homebuyers are mostly not from the state, causing frustration among the local population. Meanwhile, high interest rates, now at their highest levels in two decades, have further complicated access to housing. Many young people are forced to wait longer to become homeowners, with the average age of purchase reaching a record 36 years. The economic situation has led many voters to hold Biden and his administration responsible for the crisis, despite the fact that interest rates are set by the Federal Reserve and not by the president. The perception that the middle class is being excluded from the housing market is a recurring theme in political conversations. Andrés Villa, a Tesla worker, expresses his frustration over having to incur significant debt to buy a home far from his workplace, mentioning that during the Trump administration, the economy seemed to be in better shape. The uncertainty surrounding the economy has become a central factor in the electoral debate, especially in a state like Nevada, where elections tend to be closely contested. The electoral geography is marked by significant differences between urban areas like Las Vegas, which tend to favor Democrats, and more rural areas, which usually lean toward Republicans. These dynamics become even more complex as concerns about housing and the cost of living become priority issues for voters. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris faces criticism for her noticeable absence from the political scene, leading many to question her ability to connect with the concerns of the citizenry. Pressure is mounting for her to take a more active and tangible role in advocating for voters' interests, especially in a context where the economy has become a hot topic. The backdrop of this electoral uncertainty is further intensified by the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where Harris has called on the military to protect the opposition population in a letter that resonates with the desire of many to see a change in leadership. This act, while admirable, may not be enough to divert attention from the local issues affecting voters in Nevada. Thus, as the elections approach, the tension between the economy and politics intensifies. The challenge for Democratic leaders will be to present viable solutions that address voters' concerns, especially those who find themselves caught in a waiting cycle for the American dream in an unyielding real estate market. With more citizens feeling left behind, the electoral outcome could hinge on the current administration's ability to reconnect with its base and offer renewed hope amid adversity.