Voters Sent A Strong Message On Affordability. Student Debt Must Be A Part Of The Response.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 04, 2026
Contact:
Natalia Abrams
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday’s midterm election results sent a clear message: affordability is top of mind for most Americans, and they expect their leaders to act. As many Americans grapple with the high cost of living and living paycheck to paycheck, one piece of the affordability crisis that often goes unaddressed is student loan debt. A recent Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) survey found that nearly two-thirds of borrowers (65%) report cutting back on basic needs, including food, housing, or healthcare, to afford their student loan payments. 84% of borrowers said student loans would impact their vote. SDCC urges the incoming 120th Congress to act immediately upon being sworn in to address student debt, and to deliver meaningful relief to borrowers and fundamental reforms to the student loan system.
"We cannot talk about affordability without talking about student debt,” said Natalia Abrams, SDCC President. “Borrowers expect the newly elected Congress to address the student debt crisis and work to make student loan payments more affordable. The 120th Congress has an opportunity and a responsibility to fulfill their promises of affordability. Student loan borrowers deserve a seat at the table and real solutions that address the financial burden they carry every day."
Student loan debt affects individuals of all ages, spanning multiple generations: recent graduates, parents who borrowed for their children, and older Americans still carrying balances into retirement. After the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the end of the Saving On A Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, student loan payments have skyrocketed, causing borrowers to miss other bills or fall into delinquency and default. Student loan debt is not separate from affordability issues; it is central to them.
Voters have made clear that they want solutions that make everyday life more affordable. Student loan borrowers and their families must not be left out.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Natalia Abrams via email at natalia@studentdebtcrisis.org.
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ABOUT Student Debt Crisis Center
Student Debt Crisis Center is a national advocacy organization with nearly 2,000,000 supporters calling for fundamental reforms to student loan policies and an end to the student debt crisis. Learn more here.
