In last night’s Democratic response to the State of the Union address, Abigail Spanberger didn’t mention Zohran Mamdani’s earthquake election as New York City mayor. But the party clearly learned one of his campaign’s core lessons.

“Democrats across the country are laser-focused on affordability,” the Virginia governor said.

It’s an urgent issue to prioritize. More than a third of all Americans couldn’t cover an emergency expense of $400 without taking on debt. A majority can’t come up with $1,000. Any increase in the cost of living can spell bankruptcy, hunger, or homelessness.