I’m the new Virginia governor and affordability is what everyone needs

Democrats did a 'good job' making affordability an issue, Kevin O'Leary argues O'Leary Ventures chairman Kevin O'Leary analyzes the Trump administration's economic boom push and the impact of A.I. on the job market on 'The Story.' This November, Virginians elected me to be their 75th governor with the largest margin of victory for a Democrat in modern history, in part because I’ve been focused above all on one big issue: affordability. Across Virginia, I heard from families in every community, in every part of our commonwealth about the impact of high costs. I met seniors struggling to afford prescription drugs, parents worried about rising energy bills and graduates just breaking into the workforce who couldn't find housing that they could afford. But I also heard a loud refrain from one other group: business leaders. No matter where I traveled, I met executives and entrepreneurs who were struggling to find the right candidates to fill job openings and increasingly worried that Virginia’s best employees and talent were being priced out of the commonwealth. The numbers reflect those worries. More than 70% of Virginians believe there isn’t enough housing available that they can afford to rent or buy, according to recent polling. And nationwide, nearly half of Americans say that everyday costs are difficult to afford. MIKE JOHNSON SAYS HOUSE GOP WORKING FULL STEAM AHEAD ON TRUMP'S 'AFFORDABILITY AGENDA' Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, celebrates as she takes the stage during her election night rally at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Nov. 4, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Financial pressures don’t just strain household budgets; they shape where people can build their lives. The U.S. Census Bureau found that almost half of college students in Virginia leave within five years of graduation - a rate that’s above the national average. When people want to work here, they should be able to work, afford a home and ultimately afford to create a life here. They shouldn’t be forced to move across the country or wait on the sidelines because of the cost of their healthcare or housing. High costs aren’t just a quality-of-life concern, but a matter of economic competitiveness. If we fail to act, we risk slower economic growth, lower tax revenue, and declining productivity - consequences that would disadvantage Virginia for decades to come. That’s why I’ve said my incoming administration will be relentlessly focused on making Virginia more affordable - so we can attract and retain the best workers, companies, and business leaders. As governor, I will make sure that Virginians have every reason to stay here and build their futures. At the same time, I will make it clear to workers and companies across the country why we are the best place to start a career or expand a business. NEWT GINGRICH: THE SIMPLEST WAY TO MAKE AMERICAN LIFE AFFORDABLE AGAIN Addressing the affordability crisis starts with ensuring Virginians know they can find a home or apartment that meets their needs and budget....

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