---
title: "Childcare Costs Influence US Voters Ahead of Midterms"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-10-21T04:45:49.454Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-21T04:08:03.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-21T05:45:25.054Z"
trust_score: 86
critic_score: 87
hype_score: 12
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-21T18:30:38.153673+00:00"
---

# Childcare Costs Influence US Voters Ahead of Midterms

*Rising expenses for childcare are a significant concern for parents, potentially impacting their voting decisions in upcoming elections.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Trust high (86) due to named sources, quoted data, multiple outlets, specific figures and dates.
- Craft 87 of 100, higher is better. Critic score 87; article explains relevance, includes many quotes, clear facts, specific data, and cohesive narrative.
- Hype 12 of 100, lower is better. Hype low (12); headline matches content without sensational language.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Full-time childcare in the US cost an average of $13,000 in 2025, according to Child Care Aware of America.
- Childcare expenses are a significant factor for parents deciding how to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
- Democratic nominee Bob Brooks supports universal prekindergarten, while Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie backs expanding federal tax credits for childcare.
- The federal government provided over $50 billion in childcare assistance during the pandemic.

The cost of full-time childcare in the United States averaged $13,000 in 2025, according to Child Care Aware of America. This expense, alongside rising prices for gas and groceries, is a significant concern for many American voters, particularly parents of young children, as they consider their choices in the upcoming midterm elections. For some, the cost of childcare is so high that it makes working full-time financially unfeasible.

The federal government allocated more than $50 billion towards childcare assistance during the pandemic to support providers and families. As the midterms approach, candidates are addressing the issue with varying proposals. In Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, a closely contested race, both the Democratic and Republican candidates are making childcare a part of their campaign platforms.

## Candidate Proposals on Childcare

Democratic nominee Bob Brooks advocates for universal prekindergarten and increased funding for programs like Head Start, aiming to make childcare more accessible and affordable for working families. He has stated that the rising cost of care is often overlooked. In contrast, Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie supports expanding federal tax credits for childcare expenses and incentivising private employers to offer childcare subsidies. Mackenzie has indicated a willingness to collaborate on solutions for working families.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated reports mentioned the average annual cost of full-time childcare in 2025, which was reported as $13,000 by Child Care Aware of America. They also did not include details on the federal government's $50 billion in pandemic-era childcare assistance.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 52 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 40% (21)
- Centre: 54% (28)
- Right: 6% (3)

2 of 54 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-21T18:30:38.153673+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 54 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-21T19:00:41.960Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports highlighted the significant financial burden of childcare costs on American families, with multiple outlets noting that these expenses can exceed potential earnings from full-time employment. They pointed to the average annual cost of $13,000 for full-time childcare in 2025, citing Child Care Aware of America. These reports also detailed Democratic candidate Bob Brooks' support for universal prekindergarten and increased childcare funding. The digests mentioned the federal government's $50 billion pandemic-era spending on childcare assistance and quoted Phoebe Kilgour of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, who stated that the issue touches every family and can be persuasive in elections.

### Centre

- The centre-rated report from Washington Top News focused on how childcare costs are influencing voter decisions in the lead-up to the midterm elections, particularly in swing districts like Pennsylvania's 7th. It featured personal accounts of parents struggling with these expenses, including Jenny Escolastico, who noted childcare costs are "another rent, another car note." The report detailed the differing approaches of candidates Bob Brooks and Ryan Mackenzie, with Brooks favouring universal prekindergarten and Mackenzie supporting expanded tax credits. It also noted that about three-quarters of US adults view childcare expenses as a major problem and mentioned the federal government's $50 billion pandemic aid to the sector.

### Right

No separate framing summary.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 3
- high: 23
- unknown: 2
- veryHigh: 26

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/10/21/childcare-costs-13000-parents-midterm-elections-2026) — The parenthood tax: voters pay $13,000-a-year for childcare as Trump uses 'fighting wars' excuse: We can’t take care of daycare'
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections/articleshow/135095928.cms) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Bakersfield Californian](https://bakersfield.com/ap/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_a9cfa32b-d3d1-55ff-b739-55de30ec213d.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/nation/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_f8f67074-9514-5e83-bd28-b5f3697767c5.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Daily Item](https://dailyitem.com/wire/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_86837ad5-6a3c-5b48-8f1c-a15c1b7ed56b.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Weatherford Democrat](https://weatherforddemocrat.com/texas/sports/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_e5dc13bb-f6e1-5e0b-ae49-89cdec37dd04.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Santa Maria Times](https://santamariatimes.com/ap/business/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_40ec366a-fc31-55a3-8418-2d22c5862736.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Hometown News LP](https://hngnews.com/nation_world/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_91d381ba-dc91-527f-8144-f783af7271ac.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Lawton Constitution](https://swoknews.com/ap/business/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_7933e106-18e9-51b2-8eb8-1e0e4faa93eb.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/nation/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_a07a99d4-1aa5-5912-87d4-855c322c0615.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Daily Advance](https://dailyadvance.com/news/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_2da50f4d-be92-5cea-a99b-764b0125d7ab.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Herald Bulletin](https://heraldbulletin.com/news/nation_world/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_3b7a7bab-b8b9-5f5f-a4c3-a161990d1019.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Goshen News](https://goshennews.com/news/national_news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_a2195966-a3da-5c0d-93d1-3ec7530f6868.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Idaho Press](https://idahopress.com/ap_news/us/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_3bc586dd-d4fb-5087-be30-6b0aedfb8c40.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Chronicle Online](https://chronicleonline.com/news/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_9fd7bb09-977b-58f1-9c01-13587b1151da.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Daily Journal](https://djournal.com/news/nation-world/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_f045c9d7-d01f-5cd4-a057-b619160e20a9.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Yakima Herald-Republic](https://yakimaherald.com/news/nation_and_world/nation/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_463fb93c-510b-58d6-a6d9-c721f5f34c9a.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [SooLeader.com](https://sooleader.com/michigan-news-ap/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections-12918587) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Beloit Daily News](https://beloitdailynews.com/news/national-news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_16518b69-13c7-5acb-891f-c58bdbe4545f.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/10/21/election-2026-education-childcare-costs) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/e2b44bc84f60250e) — This critical household budget item could shape how Americans vote in the upcoming midterms
- [Spotlight PA](https://spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/midterm-elections-child-care-costs-voters-education) — Childcare costs weigh on voters before midterm elections
- [The Keystone](https://keystonenewsroom.com/news/politics/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Niagara Gazette](https://niagara-gazette.com/news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_733b007a-adde-4d8b-8848-9f9dbf14ec3f.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Chicago Tribune](https://chicagotribune.com/2026/10/21/childcare-costs-midterm-elections) — Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette](https://post-gazette.com/uncategorized/uncategorized/2026/10/21/it-s-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections/stories/202610250037) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some Pa. voters before the midterm elections
- [louisianafirstnews.com](https://louisianafirstnews.com/news/not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-voters-before-midterm-elections) — Not just gas and groceries: Childcare costs weigh on voters before midterm elections
- [NBC Philadelphia](https://nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/childcare-costs-weigh-on-voters-before-the-midterm-elections/4482712) — Childcare costs weigh on Pa. voters before the midterm elections
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/general-election/11238793/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections.html) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/10/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections – WTOP News
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/10/20/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/it-s-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections/article_608f548a-73f7-533c-b818-d0218238e9e2.html) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/business/it-s-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections/article_b551e38f-62d3-5979-ad73-fee62f81740e.html) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/childcare-democratic-donald-trump-zohran-mamdani-pennsylvania-b3070390.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/business/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_79b70b50-2feb-597e-9d7c-125e055731c2.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Daily Star](https://thedailystar.com/news/state/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_45b498b9-3ac1-52c1-b96c-a4ae32c2964b.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/childcare-democratic-donald-trump-zohran-mamdani-pennsylvania-b3070390.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/gas-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-voters-midterm-elections-137436174) — Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Crossville Chronicle](https://crossville-chronicle.com/news/ap_news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_ee2bfe21-1ad0-5a17-b1c9-9d570110b70d.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_379f82f6-aef9-509c-8bda-a353df8204e2.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm-elections) — It’s not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The EagleHerald](https://ehextra.com/news/nation_world/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_857529f5-fe85-5cef-97e6-dbbe59643bc4.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Times-Tribune](https://thetimestribune.com/news/national_news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_726deff8-6bd7-587b-8f64-9f61224cc397.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Kokomo Tribune](https://kokomotribune.com/news/nation_world_news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_1e34232e-2aa7-592c-955a-447bc5da91be.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Cherokee Tribune Ledger News](https://tribuneledgernews.com/local_news/state_and_national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_03df0b49-9269-513f-9f85-3a409dc6a246.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Marietta Daily Journal](https://mdjonline.com/news/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_ee0704e5-b2be-5b9e-989c-c8ecf5b115de.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_5c5cf3b5-fbd7-5c30-a6c3-9f2a4828ac67.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Yuma Sun](https://yumasun.com/news/national_news/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_d9d28ba8-e763-5073-b7be-bebe29275903.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel](https://gjsentinel.com/news/us/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_2f6a19b4-97ec-577e-8588-2ea8803cbb6e.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/associated_press/national/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_54ab7ba7-6ef7-50db-8621-af14d817beb2.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections
- [Terre Haute Tribune-Star](https://tribstar.com/region/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-voters/article_9923c1fd-bf7e-5a9a-98a7-a9e9492c16eb.html) — It's not just gas and groceries: Childcare costs weigh on voters
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/elections/its-not-just-gas-and-groceries-childcare-costs-weigh-on-some-voters-before-the-midterm/article_87fe3f18-52c7-5bce-ae56-c4ee7f443aca.html) — It's not just gas and groceries. Childcare costs weigh on some voters before the midterm elections

## Questions

**What is the average cost of full-time childcare in the US?**

According to Child Care Aware of America, the average cost for full-time childcare in the United States was $13,000 in 2025. This figure highlights a significant financial strain for many families with young children.

**How are political candidates addressing childcare costs?**

Democratic nominee Bob Brooks supports universal prekindergarten and increased funding for childcare programs. Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie backs expanding federal tax credits for childcare expenses and encouraging employer-provided childcare solutions.

**How much did the federal government spend on childcare during the pandemic?**

The federal government spent over $50 billion on childcare assistance during the pandemic. This funding aimed to support childcare providers and help more families access care during the public health crisis.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Childcare Costs Influence US Voters Ahead of Midterms", https://mediabias.news/politics/childcare-costs-influence-us-voters-ahead-of-midterms